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
Zelenskyy says he will meet with Trump in Florida on Sunday for talks on Ukraine security guarantees

Zelenskyy Set for Strategic Discussions with Trump in Florida on Sunday Regarding Ukraine Security Assurances

In a significant diplomatic development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans…
Man dies after being stabbed in Moncrief Park neighborhood: JSO

Tragic Stabbing Incident Claims Life in Moncrief Park, Reports JSO

Authorities detained several individuals for questioning on Friday night following a fatal…
Trump Administration Acknowledges Birth of Christ in Christmas Messages

Trump Administration Celebrates the True Meaning of Christmas: Acknowledging the Birth of Christ

Several Trump administration officials and agencies recognized the birth of Jesus Christ…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: JonBenet Ramsey case, Scott Peterson's bid, Kimberlee Singler returns

Fox News True Crime Update: New Developments in the JonBenet Ramsey Case, Scott Peterson’s Latest Appeal, and Kimberlee Singler’s Comeback

The tragic case of JonBenét Ramsey, who was discovered murdered in her…
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

Legendary The Cure Guitarist and Keyboardist Perry Bamonte Passes Away at 65

NEW YORK — Perry Bamonte, the seasoned guitarist and keyboardist renowned for…
Chicago celebrates 1st day of Kwanzaa with holiday events across city, including Malcolm X College, Bronzeville Children's Museum

Exciting Kwanzaa Festivities Kick Off in Chicago with Events at Malcolm X College and Bronzeville Children’s Museum

As Chicago ushered in the first day of Kwanzaa, the city came…
Wrightwood, California flooding news: 4 weather-related deaths in state, with continued risk of mudslides

California Weather Crisis: Wrightwood Floods Lead to 4 Tragic Deaths Amid Ongoing Mudslide Threats

This week, Southern California experienced its wettest Christmas season in recent memory…
Ashlee Buzzard denies murdering daughter Melodee, won’t face death penalty

Shocking Twist: Ashlee Buzzard’s Plea in Daughter Melodee’s Case Avoids Death Penalty

In a recent court appearance, California mother Ashlee Buzzard entered a plea…
Nigeria says it shared intelligence to support US strikes on ISIS

How Nigeria’s Intelligence Collaboration Boosted US Strikes Against ISIS

The Nigerian government recently disclosed that it collaborated with the United States…
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten charged with killing pedestrian Darren Lucas in Zion, was allegedly livestreaming on TikTok while driving

Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, Accused in the Death of Pedestrian Darren Lucas During Alleged TikTok Livestream, Released from Custody

A tragic incident in Zion, Illinois has culminated in a woman being…
A beginner’s guide to Kwanzaa

Unlock the Magic of Kwanzaa: A Beginner’s Guide to Celebrating Culture and Community

By GRAHAM LEE BREWER, Associated Press Since its inception in 1966, Kwanzaa…
Israel FM accuses Palestinian Authority of aiding terror with ‘Pay-for-Slay’ after deadly attack

Israeli Foreign Minister Alleges Palestinian Authority Supports Terrorism Through ‘Pay-for-Slay’ Scheme Following Fatal Attack

JERUSALEM: Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, launched a scathing critique of the…