Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty Thursday of a felony charge for obstructing federal agents during an April incident involving a previously deported illegal alien.
Dugan was acquitted on a separate misdemeanor count of concealing the individual, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Federal prosecutors said Dugan intentionally assisted Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national with a history of violent offenses including battery, domestic abuse and strangulation, in temporarily evading ICE after a pre-trial detention hearing.
Video and audio evidence presented during the trial reportedly showed Dugan directing Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a non-public exit while federal agents waited nearby.
Footage released prior to the trial captured ICE agents moving down a hallway after being diverted by Dugan, followed moments later by Flores-Ruiz and his attorney exiting through a restricted jury door.
A brief foot chase ensued before agents apprehended him.
Audio recordings captured Dugan whispering to her court reporter, “I’ll do it. I’ll get the heat,” as she guided Flores-Ruiz out of the courtroom.
Additional recordings showed Dugan instructing the attorney to “take your client out and come back and get a date,” which witnesses described as highly unusual.
During testimony, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Kristela Cervera described her astonishment at Dugan’s actions, stating judges “should not be helping defendants evade arrest.”
U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel emphasized that the case is not political and urged the public to respect the jury’s decision.
“The defendant’s actions created an opportunity for a wanted subject to flee outside a safe courthouse environment, which led to a dangerous foot chase,” Schimel said, according to Trending Politics.
Dugan, removed from her judicial duties in April by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, faces up to five years in prison and a potential $250,000 fine.
Her attorney, Steve Biskupic, indicated plans to challenge the conviction, telling reporters, “The case is a long way from over.”
The trial also revealed Dugan coordinated with Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to facilitate temporary evasion, including arranging for remote court appearances and off-the-record communications.
Federal prosecutors presented testimony showing that Dugan appeared “visibly angry” upon learning ICE agents were present, which contributed to her decision to redirect the agents and guide Flores-Ruiz out of the courtroom through a jury-only door.
These actions were corroborated by multiple witnesses and captured on film.
The case has sparked discussion over judicial discretion and public safety.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Dugan’s actions, citing Flores-Ruiz’s violent criminal history and stating her interference endangered both federal agents and the public.
Dugan’s defense had attempted to invoke judicial immunity under the Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. United States and the 10th Amendment, but the court rejected these claims, The Blaze reports.
Despite being on administrative leave, Dugan continues to collect her $174,000 annual salary. No sentencing date has been set, leaving the final consequences pending.
This conviction represents a rare instance of a sitting judge found guilty of obstructing federal law enforcement, highlighting the delicate balance between judicial discretion, accountability and public safety.
The case underscores the potential consequences when judges overstep boundaries and interfere with federal operations.
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