Attorney Charles T. Busse Pleads Guilty to Bribing Federal Agent

Charles T. Busse, 57, of Birmingham, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to bribing a federal law enforcement agent, orchestrating a years-long scheme to subvert U.S. immigration enforcement, and hiding cash from the IRS. The attorney admitted to paying off a Special Agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations to secure deportation deferrals and immigration benefits for his clients, turning the justice system into a pay-to-play operation.

The plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn in Detroit, covers four federal crimes: bribery, conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax evasion, and failure to report cash payments exceeding $10,000. The conduct spanned from 2009 to 2015, during which Busse operated law offices in Rochester Hills and Dearborn, using his position to launder cash and manipulate federal immigration processes.

Court records show Busse admitted to funneling illicit payments to the corrupt ICE agent in exchange for sensitive case information and favorable actions on behalf of undocumented clients. The arrangement wasn’t just a breach of ethics—it was a criminal conspiracy aimed at obstructing the lawful functions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through deception and bribery.

In parallel, Busse failed to report more than $10,000 in cash payments—an offense under the Bank Secrecy Act—and actively evaded federal tax obligations. The IRS Criminal Investigations unit confirmed Busse structured financial transactions to avoid scrutiny, treating his law practice as a shadow economy insulated from federal oversight.

Each of the four charges carries a minimum five-year sentence, with maximum penalties reaching up to fifteen years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, but prosecutors signaled they will seek accountability not only for the crimes committed but for the betrayal of public trust by a licensed attorney sworn to uphold the law.

U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade, joined by top agents from the IRS-CI, DHS Office of Inspector General, and the FBI Detroit Division, praised the multi-agency investigation that exposed the corruption. ‘When lawyers conspire with federal agents to undermine immigration law and hide cash from the IRS, it’s not just a crime—it’s an attack on the system itself,’ McQuade stated. The case remains a stark warning to those who exploit their power for profit.

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