Why Oakland County woman accused of abandoning kids in filthy home for years was in court this week
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. - Kelli Bryant, a 34-year-old mother from Pontiac, returned to court this week amidst serious allegations of abandoning her three children. Authorities discovered her 15-year-old son and two daughters, aged 13 and 12, living alone in deplorable conditions for an extended period. Currently, Bryant faces three counts of first-degree abuse related to the neglect of her children.
During this week's court appearance, the reason for her return was not the abuse charges, but rather new charges of welfare fraud. While participating virtually in a probable cause conference before Judge Cynthia Thomas Walker, Bryant's defense attorney, Cecilia Quirindongo-Baunsoe, requested more time to review approximately 600 pages of case discovery. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 15, coinciding with her child abuse charges' probable cause conference.
In addition to discussing the case's details, bond amounts were also a key focus of the hearing. Quirindongo-Baunsoe criticized the $14,000 cash bond set for the welfare fraud charge, arguing that a personal recognizance bond with conditions would have been more appropriate given that her client's actions did not involve violence. Currently, Bryant remains incarcerated on a $50,000 cash bond linked to the child abuse allegations.
Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the seriousness of the welfare fraud charge, noting that Bryant received over $29,000 in public assistance despite neglecting her children. "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," McDonald stated.
Ultimately, Judge Walker modified the bond for the welfare fraud charge to a personal bond set at $29,397, with stipulations barring Bryant from possessing weapons or engaging in any violent conduct while the case proceeds. Meanwhile, she remains in custody due to the child abuse charges, which initially carried an excessive bond of $250 million before being reduced.