Saginaw Woman Rejects Plea Deal in $20K Bridge Card Fraud Case

Talia C. Teneyuque, a 32-year-old resident of Saginaw, Michigan, has declined a plea agreement in a case alleging she misused over $20,000 in Bridge Card benefits to support her home-based bakery business.

During a preliminary examination on October 8, 2025, Assistant Prosecutor Aaron M. Majorana proposed dismissing the felony charge if Teneyuque pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of larceny between $200 and $1,000. This deal would have included a delayed sentence, allowing for probation and the possibility of expunging the conviction upon repayment of the misused funds. However, defense attorney Emilie K. Lyday stated that Teneyuque opted to proceed with the court hearing.

Kristie M. Giorgis, an eligibility specialist with Saginaw County's Department of Health and Human Services, testified that Teneyuque applied for food assistance in December 2021, reporting she lived with her five children and operated a baking business from her home. Teneyuque claimed to earn approximately $1,000 monthly through online sales, spending half on baking supplies. Giorgis confirmed that operating a business while receiving benefits is not inherently against regulations.

Regulation Agent Katrina Tibbits from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General presented evidence suggesting Teneyuque used her Bridge Card to purchase $20,502.01 worth of ingredients for her baked goods between January 2022 and September 2023. Tibbits' investigation included reviewing social media activity and sales records, indicating a potential underreporting of income.

When questioned, Teneyuque denied using her Bridge Card for business purposes, asserting all purchases were for her children. Despite this, Judge Terry L. Clark approved the prosecution's request to advance the case to Circuit Court for trial. Teneyuque remains free on bond.

This case has sparked community debate over the use of food assistance benefits and the challenges faced by small business owners. Some residents express concern over the severity of the charges, while others emphasize the importance of adhering to program regulations.

As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome may influence future enforcement of benefit misuse cases involving online businesses.