Federal judge says trial for Milwaukee, Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping immigrant will go on next month
Share this @internewscast.com

A federal judge announced on Wednesday that the trial of a Wisconsin judge accused of aiding an immigrant in avoiding federal authorities will proceed as scheduled next month, dismissing rumors of a potential plea deal.

During a hearing, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman instructed the legal teams of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan to prepare for the trial, which is set to commence on December 11 with jury selection.

Judge Dugan was charged by federal prosecutors in April with obstruction and aiding in the concealment of an individual to hinder arrest. Court documents reveal that she was to preside over a state battery case involving 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant. Federal agents, aware of his court appearance, arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse intending to detain him.

The documents state that Dugan, upon discovering the presence of federal agents outside her courtroom, guided Flores-Ruiz through a private exit. Although he initially evaded capture, agents apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that Flores-Ruiz has since been deported.

If convicted on both charges, Dugan could face a maximum of six years in prison. Despite U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel’s mention of ongoing plea discussions, Dugan has reportedly declined any agreement.

Dugan’s defense argues her innocence, maintaining that her actions were within her judicial duties. While Schimel’s comments have stirred curiosity about potential developments in the case, her legal team continues to prepare for trial.

No one from Schimel’s office or Dugan’s attorneys mentioned the prospect of a deal during Wednesday’s hearing, the last one scheduled ahead of Dugan’s trial. They instead focused on the logistics of jury selection and trial procedure.

Steven Biskupic, Dugan’s lead attorney, told Adelman that the two sides have already stricken 34 potential jurors based on responses to a questionnaire they sent out gauging their political biases. The two sides said they may need two days to select jurors from the pool of 90 or so remaining prospects.

Dugan’s indictment has intensified the clash between President Donald Trump’s administration and local authorities over the Republican’s sweeping immigration crackdown.

Democrats accuse the Trump administration of trying to blunt judicial opposition to the crackdown by making an example of Dugan. The administration has vilified Dugan on social media, posting photos of her being led out of the courthouse in handcuffs and labeling her an activist judge.

Biskupic said that he wants to make each potential juror fill out another questionnaire about their biases on the way into the courtroom on the selection days, saying publicity over the case is continuing. Adelman agreed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling told Adelman the government plans to call 25 to 28 witnesses, including federal immigration agents and witnesses who saw what happened in Dugan’s courtroom and in the courthouse. Biskupic told the judge that the government also plans to introduce about a half-hour’s worth of recordings made in Dugan’s courtroom.

The government’s case will take at least four days, Frohling said. Biskupic did not offer any details about his witnesses or the potential length of his side of the case.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys did not speak with reporters on their way out of the hearing. Dugan attended the proceeding but said nothing. She also left without speaking with reporters.

.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NYCHA must be central to Mamdani housing plan

Transforming NYC Housing: Why NYCHA is Key to Mamdani’s Visionary Plan

For a glimpse into New York’s housing outlook, it’s crucial to consider…
Target Lady Has Last Laugh on AWFL Grinch Who Tried to Steal Christmas, Gets Roaring Welcome at TPUSA

Target Employee Triumphs Over AWFL Grinch: Heartwarming Comeback at TPUSA Event

At 72 years old, Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee, received a warm…
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

Tragic North Carolina Plane Crash: Passenger’s Final Text Revealed Before Incident Claims Lives of Greg Biffle and Family, Reports NTSB

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively…
Substitute teacher arrested after encouraging kids to fight at Duval County middle school, police say

Duval County Substitute Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Inciting Student Fights at Middle School

A substitute teacher at Lake Shore Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida, has…
Australian immigrant who tackled gunman 'riddled with bullets,' but 'said he’d do it again,' lawyer says

Fundraiser for Australian Hero Who Neutralized Bondi Beach Terrorist Exceeds $2.6 Million

More than $2.6 million has been raised in support of a man…
US envoy Witkoff says high-level Miami talks focused on 'unified Gazan authority' as Israel ceasefire advances

US Envoy Witkoff Highlights Miami Discussions on Establishing a ‘Unified Gazan Authority’ Amid Progress in Israel Ceasefire

Efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan are…
Dr. Oz on Minnesota Taxpayer Fraud: 'You Have to Come Down Hard'

Dr. Oz Urges Strong Action Against Minnesota’s Taxpayer Fraud Issues

On the Alex Marlow Show, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the…
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back

Historic Blue Origin Mission: First Wheelchair User Successfully Travels to Space and Returns

In a remarkable achievement for space travel and inclusivity, Blue Origin, led…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australian State Considers Ban on Controversial Chants and Masks Post-Hanukkah Attack

In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the…
Elizabeth Smart blasts Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘country club’ prison treatment: ‘Makes me sick’

Elizabeth Smart Condemns Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘Luxury’ Prison Conditions: ‘It’s Appalling

Elizabeth Smart has expressed her anger over reports that Ghislaine Maxwell, the…
Australia vows to strengthen hate speech laws, gun control in wake of Bondi Beach attack

Australia Commits to Tougher Hate Speech and Gun Control Laws Following Bondi Beach Incident

In the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach during…
RICHARD JOHNSON: Meghan Markle afraid to visit ailing father due to paparazzi

Meghan Markle Reluctant to Visit Ill Father Amidst Paparazzi Concerns, Reports Suggest

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wishes to see her father, who…