MIDLAND, Mich. — A Midland County woman convicted of exploiting a vulnerable adult for food assistance benefits was sentenced to prison, with court records showing a minimum term far lower than the maximum penalty discussed during the case.
According to court sentencing records reviewed by NewMediaDetroit, Amanda Cunningham, 36, was sentenced to 22 months to 15 years in prison on Thursday, January 15th. She was also ordered to pay $3,055.27 in fines, fees, and restitution.
The sentence was imposed in Midland County Circuit Court following Cunningham’s Nov. 5 jury convictions for food stamp fraud over $1,000, embezzlement from a vulnerable adult over $1,000, and stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent.
While Cunningham was charged as a fourth offense habitual offender, her maximum sentence could have been life. The judge elected to set the maximum at 15 years, while her minimum stint in Huron Valley will be 22 months.
Cunningham will be eligible for parole consideration after serving the minimum, though release is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of the parole board.
During sentencing, Cunningham asked the court for probation or house arrest, citing employment stability, health insurance, two young daughters, and an ailing father.
“I’m committed to doing better,” Cunningham told the court prior to sentencing, according to reporting from the Midland Daily News. “I’ve found a good career with health insurance, better stability. Please give me an opportunity to keep this amazing career.”
Circuit Judge Stephen Carras rejected that request, stating that the trial evidence demonstrated a pattern of exploitation and a refusal to accept responsibility.
“The evidence shows that’s the person you are,” Carras said, according to the outlet. “You were using the victim’s resources for your gain.”
Cunningham was convicted following a three day jury trial. Judge Carras referenced surveillance footage showing Cunningham using the victim’s benefits to purchase items including kitty litter and children’s drinks.
“It is your fault; you did these things,” Carras said. “You kept his card and used it for yourself. If I don’t send a message now to the rest of the world, you will victimize someone else.”
Prosecutors said Cunningham stole food assistance benefits from a vulnerable man in his mid 50s between Jan. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023. She used the man’s SNAP card for personal purchases and collected store reward points while telling the man’s guardians that he did not have benefits.
Assistant Midland County Prosecutor Mark Reene told the court that Cunningham had a position of trust and exploited it.
“She had the responsibility to assist someone that she exploited,” Reene said. “There is no demonstration of remorse.”
Cunningham worked for Christian Home Services and provided in home care for the victim for six years. Authorities began investigating after the man reported he was not receiving food assistance and lacked adequate food. The case was reviewed by the man’s guardian, The Arc of Midland, along with Community Mental Health and EBT officials, before being referred to the Michigan Office of Inspector General for prosecution.
Cunningham was remanded to the Michigan Department of Corrections following sentencing.
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