Minnesota Supreme Court Disbars Kassius Orlando Benson for Tax Evasion

• Kassius Orlando Benson, former chief public defender for Hennepin County, Minneapolis, has been disbarred by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
• Benson was convicted of tax evasion and misappropriating client funds, with a total of $213,000 in employee withholdings unpaid.
• He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $214,000 in restitution to the IRS.
• The court deemed disbarment 'the appropriate discipline' for Benson's misconduct, citing his repeated prioritization of personal financial interests over fiduciary duties.

Benson's actions have been described as 'the most serious types of attorney misconduct' by the state supreme court.

Kassius Orlando Benson, the former chief public defender for Hennepin County, Minneapolis, has been disbarred by the Minnesota Supreme Court. This decision follows his conviction for tax evasion and misappropriating client funds. The court's ruling marks a severe consequence for an attorney who prioritized their own financial interests over their fiduciary duties.

Benson's actions have been described as 'the most serious types of attorney misconduct' by the state supreme court. His failure to pay more than $213,000 in employee withholdings before becoming chief public defender is a significant breach of trust. The court has deemed disbarment 'the appropriate discipline' for Benson's misconduct.

The former public defender has admitted to failing to pay taxes and was sentenced to three years of probation in 2024. He was also ordered to pay nearly $214,000 in restitution to the IRS.

Benson's case highlights the importance of accountability for attorneys who engage in financial misconduct. The Minnesota Supreme Court has sent a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and will result in severe consequences. This precedent should serve as a warning to lawyers who prioritize their own interests over their fiduciary duties.

The court's ruling is also significant because it demonstrates the severity of the punishment for attorneys who engage in tax evasion and misappropriation of client funds. The fact that Benson was ordered to pay nearly $214,000 in restitution to the IRS underscores the gravity of his actions.

Benson's case is not an isolated incident. Other attorneys have faced discipline for similar misconduct, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to ethical standards within the legal profession.

The disbarment of Kassius Orlando Benson serves as a reminder that lawyers must prioritize their fiduciary duties above personal interests. This case demonstrates the severe consequences that can result from financial misconduct, including loss of licensure and significant financial penalties.

Lawyers should take note of this precedent and ensure they are meeting their ethical obligations. The Minnesota Supreme Court's decision highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in the legal profession and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

The impact of Benson's case extends beyond his own career, as it sets a benchmark for accountability within the legal community. It underscores the need for lawyers to remain vigilant in their pursuit of ethics and to prioritize the interests of their clients above personal gain.

Lawyers should be aware of the precedent set by this case, as it demonstrates the severe consequences for attorneys who engage in financial misconduct and prioritize their own interests over their fiduciary duties.

Source: Original reporting via Law360