Tanya Hobson, the former director of the Tuscola County Peer Center in Kingston, has admitted to embezzlement, according to an announcement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Hobson, 45, pled guilty to one count of Embezzlement-Agent or Trustee – $200 or more but less than $1,000. As reported by Michigan's Attorney General's office, Hobson has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,054.64.
The plea agreement unfolds following charges laid against Hobson in February. The Tuscola County Peer Center, where Hobson worked from May to December of 2023, offers support to those receiving mental health services—mainly funded by Medicaid—focusing on self-advocacy and mutual support. "Embezzling Medicaid funds can have a direct impact on the people who rely on the program for essential health care," Nessel pointed out. Her comments emphasized the severity of stealing funds meant for those in need, according to the AG's office.
During her tenure, the former director was in charge of various administrative tasks including scheduling outings and paying bills. It was in the execution of these duties that she wrongly redirected over $1,000 of the Center’s funds for personal use. The misuse of these funds pinpoints a breach of trust placed in individuals at the helm of organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Hobson's sentencing is scheduled for April 22 at 1 p.m., to be carried out by Judge Jason Eric Bitzer of the 71 B Judicial District Court in Caro. Nessel's office, specifically the Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) which is part of Michigan's federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, handled the case. The HCFD, with a 75% funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant, and the reminder 25% by the State of Michigan, functions to investigate and prosecute healthcare fraud cases across the state.
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