Tuesday, March 11, 2025 

PONTIAC, Mich. - Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Kelli Bryant, a 34-year-old resident of Pontiac, with three counts of Welfare Fraud in addition to the previously filed charges of First-Degree Child Abuse.

Bryant's three children were discovered living along in a squalid Pontiac condo by Oakland County Sheriff's Deputies in February. A review of Bryant's support payments by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) alleges an overpayment - obtained by fraud - of $29,397 from January 2022 through February 2025.

"The defendant appears to have effectively abandoned her children while collecting public assistance," stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "This crime is, first and foremost, a theft from Kelli Bryant's children. These resources were intended to ensure they had the basic necessities denied to them. The children deserved better."

Welfare Fraud, over $500 is punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: OCPOmedia@oakgov.com