Tanya Hobson, 45, of Kingston, was arraigned Wednesday in 71B District Court in Caro before Magistrate Joseph A. Van Auken on one count of Embezzlement-Agent or Trustee – $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ incarceration and/or a fine of not more than $10,000, or three times the value of the money or other property embezzled, whichever is greater. Hobson served as the director of the Tuscola County Peer Center from May to December 2023.
The Peer Center, affiliated with the Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems, receives much of its funding from Medicaid and assists members receiving mental health services with self-advocacy skills, providing self-help and mutual support services. As director, Hobson was responsible for scheduling outings, collecting and monitoring the mail, obtaining grants, picking up supplies and paying bills.
It is alleged that during her time as director, Hobson embezzled over $1,000 of the Center’s funds for personal use. Hobson is scheduled to appear for a Probable Cause Conference on March 12, and a Preliminary Examination on March 19.
Hobson was given a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
The Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) handled this case for the Department.
