Off-duty Hamtramck police officer convicted of misusing police information network

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A part-time Hamtramck police officer has been sentenced to probation after being convicted of misusing a police information network.

On Wednesday, March 20, a jury in Shelby District Court found Scott Budnick, 53, guilty of unauthorized disclosure of Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) information. According to authorities, Budnick was working as security at Coyote Joe’s in Shelby Township in July 2022 when he confronted someone who he believed was using a fake ID. Budnick contacted Hamtramck dispatch and requested the victim’s information be confirmed through LEIN, despite not being on duty at the time.

Under Michigan Law, using LEIN to conduct inquiries for personal use is forbidden. The first offense is a misdemeanor. A second offense is a felony.

After an investigation by Shelby Township police and Michigan State Police, Budnick was charged with unauthorized disclosure of LEIN information.

Budnick was sentenced Wednesday to nine months probation, $500 in fines and costs and a $125 probation oversight fee.

To report the possible misuse of LEIN, visit Michigan State Police’s website.