Detroit, Michigan, February 1, 2026
In Detroit, a federal indictment has charged a sitting judge and three others with embezzling funds from vulnerable adults they were supposed to help. The indictment includes severe charges such as conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The individuals allegedly misappropriated significant funds meant for incapacitated adults, exploiting their trusted positions. This case emphasizes the need for oversight in guardianship arrangements for vulnerable populations.
Detroit Judge and Three Others Charged in Embezzlement Scheme Targeting Vulnerable Adults
Detroit, Michigan – A sitting judge and three other individuals have been charged in a federal indictment for allegedly embezzling funds from incapacitated adults under their care. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to federal agents.
Details of the Charges
The indictment alleges that Nancy Williams, 59, owned Guardian and Associates, an agency appointed by the Wayne County Probate Court to manage the affairs of over 1,000 incapacitated wards. Avery Bradley, 72, and his daughter, Andrea Bradley-Baskin, 46, operated a law firm that frequently represented Guardian and Associates in probate court. Dwight Rashad, 69, managed group homes and residential facilities for elderly individuals, including wards requiring support and care.
Prosecutors claim that the four individuals conspired to systematically embezzle funds from the wards. Specific allegations include:
- Andrea Bradley-Baskin is accused of using $70,000 from a ward’s funds to purchase an ownership stake in a local bar and using embezzled funds to pay for a two-year lease on a new Ford Expedition for herself.
- Avery Bradley, Nancy Williams, and Dwight Rashad are alleged to have taken approximately $203,000 from a ward’s legal settlement, with none of the money being used to benefit the ward.
- Nancy Williams is accused of paying rent to Dwight Rashad for wards who did not reside in his facilities.
Background Context
Probate courts appoint guardians and conservators to manage the personal and financial affairs of adults, known as wards, who have been found by the court to lack the capacity to do so themselves. Guardians and conservators are fiduciaries obligated to act in the best interests of their wards. The indictment alleges that the defendants abused their positions to divert funds for personal gain, exploiting the trust placed in them to protect vulnerable individuals.
Legal Proceedings
All four defendants have been arraigned in federal court in Detroit. Bradley-Baskin has been removed from her docket following the indictment, a step approved by the State Court Administrative Office. The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. If you have information concerning a ward of Guardian & Associates or Tri-State Guardian Services, please visit the FBI website.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
| Individuals Charged | Nancy Williams (59), Avery Bradley (72), Andrea Bradley-Baskin (46), Dwight Rashad (69) |
| Alleged Scheme | Embezzlement of funds from incapacitated adults under their care |
| Specific Allegations | Use of ward funds for personal gain, including purchasing a bar stake and a vehicle lease |
| Legal Status | Defendants arraigned in federal court; Bradley-Baskin removed from her docket |
| Investigating Agencies | FBI and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the charges against the Detroit judge and three others?
The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to federal agents.
Who are the individuals involved in the alleged embezzlement scheme?
The individuals charged are Nancy Williams, 59; Avery Bradley, 72; Andrea Bradley-Baskin, 46; and Dwight Rashad, 69, all from Detroit, Michigan.
What is the role of Guardian and Associates in this case?
Guardian and Associates is an agency owned by Nancy Williams, appointed by the Wayne County Probate Court to manage the affairs of over 1,000 incapacitated wards.
What specific allegations are made against Andrea Bradley-Baskin?
Andrea Bradley-Baskin is accused of using $70,000 from a ward’s funds to purchase an ownership stake in a local bar and using embezzled funds to pay for a two-year lease on a new Ford Expedition for herself.
What is the current status of the legal proceedings?
All four defendants have been arraigned in federal court in Detroit. Bradley-Baskin has been removed from her docket following the indictment, a step approved by the State Court Administrative Office. The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
