The Minnesota Supreme Court has disbarred Kassius O. Benson, a former public defender and private attorney, following serious misconduct that included felony tax evasion and the misappropriation of client funds. This ruling, filed on July 29, 2026, affects Benson's legal career and raises concerns about trust in the legal profession.
Benson, who was admitted to practice law in Minnesota in 1996, faced disciplinary action after being convicted of failing to pay over $200,000 in employment taxes from 2013 to 2019. In addition, he misappropriated $12,500 from a client, which he used for personal expenses instead of the intended legal costs. The court's decision highlights the severe consequences of such unethical behavior in the legal field.
The case began when the Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility filed a petition against Benson, citing two primary allegations: his felony conviction for tax evasion and the intentional misappropriation of client funds. The court's review of the case revealed that Benson failed to pay employment taxes withheld from his employees while operating his private law practice. Instead of remitting these taxes to the IRS, he used the funds for personal and business expenses.
In 2024, Benson was convicted of felony tax evasion under federal law, specifically for failing to account for and pay over employment taxes as required. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution. The court found that Benson's actions not only violated legal statutes but also breached the trust placed in him as an attorney.
In addition to tax evasion, Benson was accused of misappropriating funds from a client named T.A., who had hired him to represent her son in a serious criminal case. T.A. paid Benson a flat fee of $40,000 and later provided an additional $12,500 for trial-related expenses. However, Benson failed to deposit this money into a trust account, instead using it for personal expenses, including rent and retail purchases. His actions caused significant financial hardship for T.A. and her family.
The referee in the case concluded that Benson had committed both counts of misconduct and noted several aggravating factors, including a history of prior discipline and a lack of remorse. The court emphasized that intentional misappropriation of client funds and felony tax misconduct are among the most serious violations an attorney can commit, warranting disbarment.
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that disbarment was the appropriate discipline for Benson, stating, "Disbarment is the appropriate discipline for an attorney who was convicted of felony tax evasion arising out of the practice of law and who intentionally misappropriated client funds, where multiple factors aggravated his misconduct." The court's decision reflects a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in the legal profession.
This ruling sets a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the importance of accountability for attorneys who engage in unethical behavior. It serves as a reminder that the legal profession must uphold the trust of the public and clients alike.
Moving forward, the disbarment of Kassius O. Benson will prevent him from practicing law in Minnesota. His case may also prompt further investigations into other attorneys who may face similar allegations of misconduct. The legal community will be watching closely to see how this ruling influences future disciplinary actions against attorneys and the overall integrity of the legal profession.
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Benson plans to appeal the disbarment ruling or if any related cases are pending. However, the court's decision is final unless challenged in a higher court.