A Michigan Caregiver’s Year-Long Lie Ends With a Prison Sentence in Midland County

It’s one of those cases that makes you stop and say, 'I can’t believe she actually thought she’d get away with this.' A Midland County woman who was supposed to be caring for a vulnerable man instead spent more than a year quietly stealing from him, and lying straight to his face while doing it.

How the Bridge Card Scheme Stayed Hidden for a Year

Thirty-six-year-old Amanda Cunningham has now been sentenced to prison after a jury convicted her of food stamp fraud and embezzlement. According to court records, Cunningham was trusted as an in-home caregiver. But instead of helping, investigators say she repeatedly used the man’s Bridge card without his knowledge, draining SNAP food assistance benefits meant for him.

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To keep the scheme going, she allegedly told both the victim and his guardians that he wasn’t receiving any benefits at all. That lie worked for a while. But eventually, the truth caught up to her.

Jury Conviction and Sentencing in Midland County

In November, a Midland County jury found Cunningham guilty of food stamp fraud over $1,000, embezzlement from a vulnerable adult over $1,000, and stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent. The fraud spanned roughly a year, plenty of time to know exactly what she was doing.

Prior Felony Record Leads to Enhanced Prison Term

ABC 12 reports that on sentencing day, Midland County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Carras made it clear this wasn’t a one-time mistake. Cunningham’s sentence was enhanced because of her criminal history, which includes six prior felonies for crimes like forgery and retail fraud. She was ordered to serve 22 months to 15 years in prison.

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On top of that, Cunningham must repay more than $2,600 in restitution, along with over $400 in court costs and fines.

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A caregiver exploiting someone who depended on her, lying to cover it up, and assuming no one would notice, it’s hard to imagine the level of nerve it takes. But in the end, she didn’t get away with it. And now, she’s paying the price.