A former clerk in the Vital Records Division of the Wayne County Clerk’s Office pleaded guilty to bribery charges, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced.

Joining McQuade in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Paul Abbate, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Office, and Marlon Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.

Lorris Upshaw, III, 30, of Detroit, a clerk in the Wayne County Clerk’s Office during 2009 and 2010, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland to accepting bribes in exchange for issuing Concealed Pistol Licenses to individuals who were not otherwise eligible to receive such licenses. Upshaw accepted money from convicted felons and performed acts within his official duties as a clerk with the Wayne County Clerk’s Office in exchange for issuing Concealed Pistol Licenses to felons who were not eligible to obtain such licenses lawfully.

A sentencing date has been set for October 23, 2014.

United States Attorney McQuade said, “This defendant breached his duties and risked public safety for his own profit. Government employees who violate the public trust will be held accountable.”

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI and the DHS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hala Jarbou.