Great Lakes Wire

Yesterday, Tanya Hobson, 45, from Kingston, admitted guilt to one count of embezzlement involving amounts between $200 and $1,000. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the plea agreement in which Hobson will pay restitution of $4,054.64.

Hobson held the position of director at the Tuscola County Peer Center from May to December 2023. The center is linked with Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems and largely funded by Medicaid. It supports members receiving mental health services by teaching self-advocacy skills and offering self-help and mutual support services.

During her tenure as director, Hobson was tasked with organizing outings, managing mail, securing grants, procuring supplies, and handling bill payments. She misappropriated over $1,000 for personal use during this period.

"Embezzling Medicaid funds can have a direct impact on the people who rely on the program for essential health care," stated Nessel. "My office will continue investigating allegations of fraud and holding those who steal these funds accountable."

Hobson's sentencing is scheduled for April 22 at 1 p.m., presided over by Judge Jason Eric Bitzer of the 71 B Judicial District Court in Caro.

The case was managed by the Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD), which serves as Michigan's federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The HCFD receives 75% of its funding from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant totaling $5,703,460 for fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25%, amounting to $1,901,152, is provided by the State of Michigan.