Photo Credit: kassiusbenson.com
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN.) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has disbarred former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender (CPD) Kassius Benson. Benson’s time with Hennepin County CPD was brief, beginning in 2021 and ending with his resignation in 2022 amid a federal investigation into his law practice.
Former attorney Benson has not released a statement taking accountability for his actions, which included felony tax crimes totaling $209k and a separate charge for misappropriating approximately $12,500 in client funds.
Whereas the clients' funds should have been placed in a trust account, Benson instead deposited them in his business account and spent them within the week. Both charges are considered serious forms of misconduct, a factor that led retired Chief Justice Christoper Dietzen to recommend Benson’s disbarment in March 2025.
Several aggravating factors that impacted his disbarment included selfish motive, an existing disciplinary history, and lack of genuine remorse. The criminal case ended with Benson pleading guilty, thereby avoiding a trial. The clients waited two years before recovering their stolen funds.
As for the Federal case, Benson didn’t receive jail time. Instead, he received three years of probation and was ordered to pay over $209k in restitution to the IRS.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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