Great Lakes Wire

Robert Joseph Bucko, a 70-year-old insurance agent from Novi, has been charged with multiple felonies related to alleged embezzlement and fraud involving municipal funds. The Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Bucko was arraigned on October 31 in Oakland County 52-1 District Court before Magistrate Victor Zanolli.

Bucko, who operated the Stevenson Company insurance agency in Oakland County, faces two counts of embezzlement by an agent of $100,000 or more (each carrying up to 20 years in prison), one count of false pretenses between $50,000 and $100,000 (a 15-year felony), one count of false pretenses between $20,000 and $50,000 (also a 15-year felony), seven counts of insurance fraud (each a four-year felony), and three counts of failing to file taxes (each a five-year felony).

Authorities allege that Bucko collected full insurance premiums from eight municipalities but remitted only part of those payments to the insurer. The remainder was allegedly kept for personal use. According to investigators, Bucko used payments from new clients to cover previous accounts and owed more than $400,000 in unpaid premiums when the scheme came to light. He is also accused of overcharging municipalities and not filing Michigan income tax returns from 2021 through 2023.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services assisted with the investigation.

“We expect insurance agents to handle their clients' money with integrity,” said Attorney General Nessel. “My office will continue working with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to ensure that those who embezzle funds are held accountable.”

Anita Fox, Director of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, added: “Michiganders should feel confident that their insurance agent is protecting their interests and not lining their own pockets. DIFS is proud of its ongoing partnership with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure that Michiganders are protected. Those who suspect fraud can report it online or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

Bucko's next court appearance is scheduled for November 12 before Judge Robert Bondy at Oakland County’s district court.

A reminder was issued that criminal charges are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.