Former Wisconsin Judge Escapes Jail Time for Assisting Illegal Immigrant
Hannah Dugan, a former judge in Milwaukee County, has been found guilty of felony obstruction after aiding an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Even though federal prosecutors pushed for a prison sentence of 15 to 21 months, Dugan was only fined $5,000 and avoided jail time altogether. Her legal team has expressed intentions to appeal the conviction.
Massachusetts Judge Reprimanded for Role in Immigrant Case
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has publicly criticized District Court Judge Shelley Joseph for her involvement in a case where an illegal immigrant managed to escape arrest by ICE. This issue traces back to April 2, 2018, when Jose Medina-Perez exited the Newton District Court through a back door while an ICE officer was waiting in the lobby.
The court’s ruling focused on a discussion that took place with Medina-Perez’s attorney and the prosecutor during which Judge Joseph ordered her clerk to shut down the courtroom recording system. The court has stated that her actions created a perception of misconduct that contradicts her judicial responsibilities.
Background of the Case and Findings
The ruling indicated that Judge Joseph was not aware of the plan initiated by Medina-Perez’s attorney to help him avoid ICE detention by guiding him to the courthouse lockup. The court concluded that she did not endorse such a plan. Medina-Perez was in Joseph’s courtroom facing charges related to drug possession and a fugitive-from-justice warrant originating from Pennsylvania.
Eventually, Judge Joseph released him on personal recognizance and scheduled a pre-trial conference. However, in April 2019, she and the court officer involved were indicted for obstructing justice. This case was closed in 2022 after Joseph agreed to self-refer to the Commission on Judicial Conduct, which later determined that she had engaged in serious misconduct.
Consequences and Reactions
As part of the fallout from these events, Judge Joseph was suspended from her role for three years following her federal indictment. Her attorney has claimed that media portrayals of the case were misleading, suggesting that many believe she directly facilitated an illegal immigrant’s escape.
In a statement on Thursday, her attorney reflected on the prolonged ordeal faced by Judge Joseph and stated gratitude to those who supported her during this challenging time. Joseph, who is still a judge, has been reassigned to administrative duties within the Boston Municipal Court.
