ALMONT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Brandon Cifani, 29, appeared before a federal judge Friday amid allegations he targeted caregivers and minors through deception and exploitation.
Shelby Clark, a part-time caregiver from Almont, recounted how Cifani conned his way into her home last month posing as a father seeking a babysitter on Care.com. Once inside, Cifani admitted he actually came seeking “companionship,” prompting Clark to immediately ask him to leave.
Since Clark’s public warning, Tara Lindsay, founder of the Michigan Professional Nanny Association, revealed that Cifani—using aliases like “Brandon John C” and “Jimmie Stalente”—approached at least four other caregivers similarly, with many more women coming forward after social media alerts.
Records show Cifani faced fraud and forgery charges in 2018 and received a day in jail plus probation. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported Cifani’s name linked to multiple investigations, including a recent 2024 sexual assault probe, which prosecutors did not pursue due to insufficient evidence.
Federal investigators have now accused Cifani of posing online as a teenage boy to sexually exploit girls as young as 12, recording them without consent, including invasive upskirt videos in public.
“We knew he wasn’t safe for the nannies, but had no idea how far his behavior extended,” Lindsay said. Clark added, “I never imagined it would go as far as child pornography, which is disgusting.”
Care.com stated they are cooperating with law enforcement and declined further comment as the investigation continues.
Cifani remains in custody and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 30, 2025.
