News

Actions

Attorney pleads guilty to bribery charges in scheme to keep illegal immigrants from deportation

Posted at 12:47 AM, Nov 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-04 00:47:03-04

A metro Detroit attorney pleaded guilty to four counts including Bribery in a scheme to keep immigrants, his clients and their family members from being deported.

Chuck Busse, 58, loses his law license and faces years in prison when he's sentenced at a later date. 

He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the U. S. Government, Bribery of a Public Official, Tax Evasion and Failure to Report Cash Transactions. 

His sentencing range is 30 to 37 months.

The evidence in the case showed from 2009 to 2015 Busse teamed up with Clifton Divers, 48, an ICE-Homeland Security Agent who allegedly submitted false reports that Busse's clients had knowledge of drug deals and manufacturing of fake identification records in exchange for cash. 

The clients paid thousands of dollars.

Before the plea deal was finalized, Busse changed his mind. 

Judge Avern Cohn threatened to revoke bond and have Busse placed in custody.  After a short break, Busse went through with the plea deal.

The judge will allow Busse to work placing his clients with new attorneys.  His clients include Mexicans, Albanians and Iraqis.