Federal prosecutors have charged Andrea Bradley-Baskin in an alleged conspiracy to steal money from vulnerable and legally incapacitated individuals in the Detroit area.

Authorities also charged Nancy Williams and her fiancé, Dwight Rashad. Prosecutors say the alleged scheme targeted people under guardianship who relied on courts and court-appointed officials to safeguard their finances and property.

Bradley-Baskin was elected to the 36th District Court bench in November 2024. Prosecutors allege she personally benefited from the scheme.

According to investigators, $54,250 connected to the alleged conspiracy was used to rent a nearly $900,000 townhouse in Detroit’s Brush Park neighborhood near Little Caesars Arena.

Prosecutors further allege that more than $29,000 taken from victims was used to rent a home in Westland, Michigan. Property records reportedly show Bradley-Baskin had lived at the Westland residence as early as 2019.

One of the most serious allegations involves Frankie James, who was under the care of a court-appointed guardian. Prosecutors say James’ Detroit home was sold to a company owned by Corey Baskin, the judge’s husband, for one dollar.

The property was later sold for $140,000. If proven, prosecutors argue it would represent the kind of exploitation guardianship systems are meant to prevent.

Another case mentioned in the investigation involves the late Ethel Ciotti. Ciotti’s home was allegedly sold by her court-appointed personal representative, attorney Avery Bradley.

Federal authorities say both Bradley and Bradley-Baskin are under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Prosecutors have also moved to secure assets allegedly tied to the scheme. Authorities filed a federal lien on an Oak Park office building, indicating it could be forfeited if found connected to bribery or other federal crimes.

In May 2025, prosecutors filed another lien on a home in Southfield, Michigan, that could also be subject to forfeiture. Investigators say those properties may reflect the financial footprint of the alleged conspiracy across metro Detroit.

The FBI has additionally obtained search warrants allowing agents to seize records tied to the care and finances of minors and legally incapacitated people. Those warrants reportedly included records connected to Bradley-Baskin’s legal work in guardianship matters.

Federal investigators are now reviewing those materials as part of the ongoing case.

Cases like this can severely damage trust in the justice system. Guardianship courts are intended to protect people who cannot protect themselves, including elderly individuals, minors, and those who are mentally incapacitated.

If prosecutors prove their allegations, the case would represent not only corruption, but an abuse of a system specifically designed to protect society’s most vulnerable people.

Bradley-Baskin’s 2024 election to the bench also raises questions because, according to the report, the FBI investigation was already underway when voters elected her. Critics argue that voters cannot weigh information that is not publicly available before an election.