An attorney for 35 years, Charles Busse is now the one facing serious charges.
In Federal Court today, Busse, 58, who has offices in Rochester Hills and Dearborn, was arraigned in Federal Court on four charges, including conspiracy and bribery of a public official.
Authorities say Busse was working with Clifton Divers, a special agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Divers has been indicted for his part in the scheme.
Busse's charges center around bribes he allegedly paid to receive deferrals of deportations for non-citizen foreign nationals. He's accused of defrauding the government in exchange for thousands of dollars from his clients.
Busse is cooperating with the government.
"He has not been indicted and we are trying to reach a resolution of the case," said David Griem, Busse's attorney. "The co-defendant has been indicted. Mr. Busse has not."
In 2001, Busse was acquitted by a jury of federal charges that included extortion and racketeering.
The Birmingham resident surrendered his passport and may not travel outside the continental United States.
The maximum penalty for the four charges is between five and 15 years in prison. A Nov. 3 plea hearing date has been set for the case.
SEALED Busse Information by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
Superseding Indictment by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
