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
Surgeon ex-husband extradited to Ohio in slaying of dentist and wife

Surgeon Charged in Double Homicide Shows No Emotion During Booking – Watch the Unsettling Footage

In newly surfaced video footage, Fox News Digital offers a glimpse into…
ICE news: New memo gives ICE agents broad authority to arrest those they believe are undocumented without warrant

Breaking: ICE Agents Granted Expanded Powers to Arrest Suspected Undocumented Individuals Without Warrants

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a recent directive from Acting ICE Director Todd…
Asking Eric: Without public weigh-ins, weight-loss motivation falters

How Public Weigh-Ins Fuel Weight-Loss Success: Insights from Eric

Dear Eric: Like many, my weight fluctuates significantly. Throughout the years, I’ve…
Couples say they paid wedding videographer Tony Scott of Magic Moment Wedding Films thousands, but he didn't deliver the footage

Unveiling the Truth: Couples Left Without Memories as Wedding Videographer Vanishes with Thousands

CHICAGO (WLS) — For many, a wedding is among life’s most cherished…
Eddie Bauer to close all North American stores, file for bankruptcy

Eddie Bauer Announces Closure of North American Stores Amid Bankruptcy Filing

Eddie Bauer, a renowned name in outdoor apparel, is reportedly on the…
Donations surge for fallen NY officer and new mom following tragic death at hands of DWI suspect

Community Rallies with Generous Donations for Fallen NY Officer and New Mother After Tragic DWI Incident

In the span of just 48 hours, donations have surged to nearly…
Makea Matthews death: Family of woman found dead in cold in Philadelphia seeks answers

Unraveling the Mystery: Family Desperately Seeks Justice for Makea Matthews Found Dead in Philadelphia Cold

PHILADELPHIA — A tragic discovery was made in Philadelphia as the body…
Don Lemon details his LA arrest to Jimmy Kimmel: 'They want to instill fear'

Don Lemon Reveals Shocking Details of LA Arrest on Jimmy Kimmel: The Tactics of Fear

LOS ANGELES — Don Lemon broke his silence on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”…
Woman found dead inside inside black plastic bag in Brooklyn apartment building was chopped up

Tragic Discovery: Dismembered Body Found in Brooklyn Apartment Stuns Community

Authorities revealed on Monday that a woman discovered deceased inside a black…
Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy possibly abducted from her home, authorities say

Urgent Search Underway: Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Feared Abducted from Her Residence

TUCSON, Ariz. – In a deeply concerning development, Arizona authorities have reported…
Game-Changer: Detransitioner Wins Huge Judgment in First 'Gender Affirmation' Surgery Malpractice Case

Landmark Ruling: Detransitioner Secures Significant Settlement in Pioneering ‘Gender Affirmation’ Surgery Malpractice Case

These concepts should be straightforward: First, it’s unethical to perform life-changing elective…
Timeline: NBC host Savannah Guthrie’s mother disappears as sheriff says she may have been 'abducted'

Urgent Search Underway: Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Feared Abducted, Sheriff Confirms

TUCSON, Ariz. – Authorities in Tucson, Arizona are intensifying their efforts to…