WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025 

PONTIAC, Mich. - District Court Judge Cynthia Thomas Walker set a $29,397 personal bond for Kelli Bryant, the Pontiac mom alleged to have effectively abandoned her three children, for three counts of Welfare Fraud during a Tuesday afternoon hearing. Bryant is currently being held in Oakland County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond for three counts of Child Abuse in the First Degree.

Bryant’s three children were discovered living alone 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 bond set in the Welfare Fraud case reflects the amount of support this defendant denied her children while they were living alone, without hygiene products, limited access to food, and virtually no contact with the outside world,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “It’s appropriate that she should have to guarantee that amount to be released while these charges are pending.”

Welfare Fraud, over $500 is punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a $5000 fine. Child Abuse in the First Degree is punishable by any amount of prison up to life.

Another probable cause conference on the Welfare Fraud charges is scheduled for April 15 at 2:00 PM before Judge Walker.

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

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CONTACT: OCPOmedia@oakgov.com