Detroit Judge Accused of Embezzling Funds from Vulnerable Adults

Andrea Bradley-Baskin and three others charged in alleged scheme to misappropriate money from incapacitated individuals

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:31pm

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A Detroit judge, Andrea Bradley-Baskin, has been indicted alongside three others for allegedly orchestrating a scheme since 2016 to misappropriate funds from vulnerable and elderly adults. Prosecutors claim the group used the money for personal gains like purchasing a bar and a new vehicle, betraying the trust placed in them to protect society's most defenseless.

Why it matters

This case has sparked intense debate over the integrity of those entrusted with protecting vulnerable individuals, with calls for systemic reform growing. Probate courts often appoint guardians to care for those deemed unfit to manage their own affairs, and these appointees are legally bound to act in their wards' best interests, making this alleged breach a profound betrayal.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Bradley-Baskin, a 46-year-old judge at Michigan's 36th District Court, and her co-conspirators Avery Bradley (her 72-year-old father), Nancy Williams (59), and Dwight Rashad (69) allegedly exploited their positions to funnel money from incapacitated individuals. The funds were reportedly used to buy the now-shuttered Chick's Bar in Detroit for $70,000 and lease a $62,000 Ford Expedition.

  • The alleged scheme has been ongoing since 2016.

The players

Andrea Bradley-Baskin

A 46-year-old judge at Michigan's 36th District Court who has been indicted for her alleged role in the scheme.

Avery Bradley

The 72-year-old father of Andrea Bradley-Baskin, who has also been indicted for his alleged involvement in the scheme.

Nancy Williams

The 59-year-old owner of Guardian and Associates, a fiduciary agency for over 1,000 incapacitated people, who is accused of placing vulnerable adults in Dwight Rashad's residential properties while funneling rent payments.

Dwight Rashad

A 69-year-old individual who allegedly collected kickbacks as part of the deal with Nancy Williams, making it hard to see this as anything but a calculated exploitation of authority.

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What they’re saying

“This state judge and her cronies allegedly abused that high honor for personal gain by preying on the needy protected by the court.”

— Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., US Attorney

“No matter who you are, or what your position is, it is entirely unacceptable to help yourself to money that is not yours.”

— Karen Wingerd, Special agent in charge for the Detroit Field Office

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Andrea Bradley-Baskin out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in the guardianship system, to prevent those entrusted with protecting vulnerable individuals from exploiting their positions for personal gain.