Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan | www.facebook.com
Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan | www.facebook.com
Robert Joseph Bucko, a 70-year-old insurance agent from Novi, Michigan, has been arraigned on multiple felony charges in Oakland County. The charges include two counts of embezzlement by an agent involving amounts of $100,000 or more, one count each of false pretenses for sums between $20,000 and $100,000, seven counts of insurance fraud, and three counts related to failure to file taxes.
According to the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office, Bucko owned the Stevenson Company insurance agency in Oakland County. He is accused of collecting full insurance premiums from eight municipalities but only passing a portion of those funds to the insurer. The remaining funds were allegedly kept for personal use. Authorities say that Bucko’s actions involved using new clients’ premium payments to cover previous accounts and that he owed more than $400,000 in unpaid premiums when the scheme was uncovered.
Investigators also allege that Bucko overcharged municipalities and did not file Michigan income tax returns from 2021 through 2023.
The investigation received assistance from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).
“We expect insurance agents to handle their clients' money with integrity,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “My office will continue working with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to ensure that those who embezzle funds are held accountable.”
Anita Fox, Director of DIFS, stated: “Michiganders should feel confident that their insurance agent is protecting their interests and not lining their own pockets. DIFS is proud of its ongoing partnership with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure that Michiganders are protected. Those who suspect fraud can report it online or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Bucko’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 12 before Judge Robert Bondy at Oakland County 52-1 District Court.
Officials remind the public that criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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