Detroit Couple Charged in $150,000 Disability Insurance Fraud

News Summary

A Detroit couple faces serious charges for allegedly filing $150,000 in fraudulent disability insurance claims. Tukua Young and Brandon Young are accused of scams spanning several years, with Tukua’s claims including fictitious employment and both facing potential prison time. Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasizes the broader impact of such fraud on legitimate insurance claimants, raising concerns in the community about trust within the system.

Detroit Couple Charged in $150,000 Disability Insurance Fraud Scheme

In a case that has left many residents of Detroit shaking their heads in disbelief, a couple has been charged with making a staggering total of $150,000 in fraudulent disability insurance claims. Tukua Young, 42, and her husband, Brandon Young, 36, found themselves in hot water after being arraigned in the 36th District Court right here in the Motor City.

What Are The Charges?

The couple is facing serious felony charges, and the list is long. Tukua Young has been charged with multiple counts, including conducting a criminal enterprise, which could land her a hefty 20 years behind bars if convicted. She also faces charges for obtaining between $20,000 and $50,000 under false pretenses, and is accused of committing two counts each of obtaining smaller amounts between $1,000 and $20,000 and fraudulent insurance acts. Each of these charges carries its own potential jail time ranging from four to fifteen years.

Brandon Young isn’t off the hook either. He faces similar charges that could keep him away from his family and community for a long time. His bond has been set at $25,000, while Tukua’s bond has been set at $50,000. Both have court dates coming up soon, with a probable cause conference scheduled for March 28 and a preliminary examination on April 7.

How The Scheme Worked

The allegations are quite alarming. Tukua filed a series of fraudulent claims with an insurance company from 2016 to 2022, claiming to be unable to work due to a disability. However, authorities claim that the group home she said she worked at does not even exist, raising eyebrows about the legitimacy of her claims. Over those years, Tukua allegedly received approximately $55,952.70 from those claims.

In a surprising twist, claims continued in 2022, where another fraudulent claim brought in an additional $23,105.73. Meanwhile, Brandon had his share of questionable claims as well. He is accused of filing two fraudulent claims in 2019 and 2020 that together brought in around $70,434.

Why This Matters to the Community

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has taken a firm stance against fraudulent claims such as those leveled against the Young couple. She’s highlighted that each fraudulent claim not only drains resources but also creates unnecessary problems for those who genuinely rely on disability insurance. Legitimate claimants face higher costs and longer waiting periods as a result of deceitful actions like these.

With the growing number of fraud cases, this situation serves as a reminder for everyone to be vigilant. The cost of fraud doesn’t just affect the insurance companies; it has a ripple effect that can lead to increased premiums for honest policyholders.

What’s Next?

For Tukua and Brandon Young, their upcoming court appearances will determine the next chapter in this alarming tale. With the combined charges and potential sentences on the table, the couple could face significant consequences for their actions. As they navigate the legal waters ahead, many in Detroit are left wondering: how could things have escalated to this point?

Keep an eye on this case, as it develops and uncovers just how deep this fraudulent scheme goes and what actions authorities will take moving forward. The community deserves to have trust in its systems, and cases like these remind everyone of the importance of honesty and integrity.

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Additional Resources

• Detroit News: Detroit Couple Charged in Disability Insurance Fraud
• Click On Detroit: Couple Facing Charges After Collecting Fraudulent Claims
• CBS News: Detroit Disability Insurance Fraud Investigation
• Wikipedia: Disability Insurance
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Insurance