Detroit Judge and 3 Others Charged in Alleged Scheme to Steal from Incapacitated Adults

Federal prosecutors say the defendants exploited probate roles to embezzle money from vulnerable wards.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A Detroit judge and three other residents have been charged by federal prosecutors for their alleged roles in a years-long scheme to embezzle money from incapacitated and vulnerable individuals. The indictment alleges the defendants, including Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin, exploited their probate roles to divert funds meant for the care of wards under their supervision.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of incapacitated adults and the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the probate system. The alleged actions of the defendants represent a serious breach of public trust and raise concerns about the potential for abuse of power within the legal system.

The details

According to the indictment, the defendants - Nancy Williams, Avery Bradley, Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin, and Dwight Rashad - were part of a conspiracy to embezzle money from incapacitated wards under their care. The scheme involved the defendants, who were appointed as fiduciaries by the Wayne County Probate Court, diverting funds meant for the wards' care and using the money for their own personal benefit. For example, Bradley-Baskin allegedly used $70,000 of ward funds to buy a stake in a bar, while Bradley, Williams, and Rashad are accused of taking $203,000 from a legal settlement.

  • The alleged scheme took place over several years, according to federal prosecutors.

The players

Nancy Williams

One of the four Detroit residents charged in the alleged scheme to steal from incapacitated adults.

Avery Bradley

One of the four Detroit residents charged in the alleged scheme to steal from incapacitated adults.

Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin

A Detroit judge charged in the alleged scheme to steal from incapacitated adults under her supervision as a court-appointed fiduciary.

Dwight Rashad

One of the four Detroit residents charged in the alleged scheme to steal from incapacitated adults.

Jennifer Runyan

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, which led the investigation into the alleged scheme.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of incapacitated adults and the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the probate system. The alleged actions of the defendants represent a serious breach of public trust and raise concerns about the potential for abuse of power within the legal system.