Detroit Couple to Stand Trial for Allegedly Filing Nearly $150,000 in Fraudulent Disability Claims

LANSING – Yesterday, Tukua Young, 42, and Brandon Young, 36, both of Detroit, waived preliminary examination and were bound over to stand trial in the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County for allegedly filing multiple fraudulent claims against disability insurance policies totaling nearly $150,000, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The couple was charged by the Department of Attorney General in March. 

Tukua Young was bound over to stand trial on: 

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
• One count of False Pretenses $20,000-$50,000, a 15-year felony;
• Two counts of False Pretenses $1,000-$20,000, a 5-year felony;
• Two counts of Insurance-Fraudulent Acts, a 4-year felony; and
• Five counts of Taxes – Making/Permitting False Statement, a 5-year felony.  

Brandon Young was bound over to stand trial on:  

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
• Two counts of False Pretenses $20,000-$50,000, a 15-year felony;
• Two counts of Insurance-Fraudulent Acts, a 4-year felony; and
• Two counts of Taxes – Failure to File, a 5-year felony. 

Between 2016 and 2022, Tukua Young allegedly filed three fraudulent claims with an insurance company, receiving $55,952.70. In 2019 and 2020, her husband, Brandon Young, allegedly filed two similar fraudulent claims with the same insurer and received $70,434. They both allegedly claimed to be disabled from working at a group home that reportedly does not exist. Additionally, in 2022, Tukua Young allegedly filed another claim with a different insurance company, receiving $23,105.73, while falsely claiming to be disabled despite continuing to work. 

This matter was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit. The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the Attorney General and other law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS' website.    

“I appreciate the prosecutors in my office and DIFS’ Fraud Investigation Unit for their efforts that resulted in this case being bound over to stand trial,” Nessel said. “We will continue to leverage this partnership to prosecute those who commit insurance fraud.” 

“Disability insurance is important for Michiganders when they need extra support, and those who engage in fraud related to these policies drive up the cost of insurance for all Michigan consumers and businesses,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “We are committed to working with the Attorney General to prosecute insurance fraud to protect Michigan consumers. Michiganders 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.”