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
House Dems to force vote to block President Trump from waging war on Iran

House Democrats Push Crucial Vote to Restrict Trump’s Powers on Iran Conflict

WASHINGTON — In a bold move, the leaders of the House Democratic…
Gavin Newsom claims Trump wanted Ivanka to date Tom Brady: memoir

Inside the Pages: Gavin Newsom Reveals Trump’s Matchmaking Dreams for Ivanka and Tom Brady

In an intriguing anecdote from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s newly released memoir,…
'Should be a means test'

Is It Time for a Means Test? Exploring the Debate

Intense scrutiny was directed at New York City’s rent regulation laws during…
LAPD officer hit with felony charges after allegedly skydiving while collecting full disability benefits

LAPD Officer Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Skydiving During Disability Leave

Authorities have leveled accusations of insurance fraud against a Los Angeles police…
Ex-coach remembers Joseph Boutros after sudden death

Former Coach Reflects on the Legacy of Joseph Boutros Following Tragic Passing

The tragic passing of Joseph Boutros, a promising offensive lineman from Salve…
FBI fires 10 involved in Jack Smith's classified docs probe of Trump

FBI Dismisses 10 Agents Amid Controversial Investigation into Trump and Classified Documents

The FBI has terminated 10 agents and analysts linked to the classified…
Stowaway Svetlana Dali arrested again after sneaking onto Newark-to-Milan flight: sources

Svetlana Dali Detained Once More After Boarding Newark-to-Milan Flight Undetected: Sources Report

Svetlana Dali, who previously gained notoriety for boarding a flight to Paris…
Utah mom in upscale ski community killed husband to fund romance and lavish lifestyle, DA says

Utah Mom Accused of Killing Husband to Pursue New Romance and Extravagant Life, Prosecutors Reveal

In a gripping murder trial, text messages discussing marriage, finances, and a…
Shocking report exposes terrifying reality of assisted suicide in Canada

Revealing Report Uncovers the Complex Reality of Assisted Suicide in Canada

A startling new report uncovers that individuals in Canada are experiencing assisted…
US officials indict high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel narco-terrorists, offer up to $10M reward for their arrests

US Authorities Charge Senior Sinaloa Cartel Leaders with Narco-Terrorism; Announce $10 Million Reward for Capture

The notorious Sinaloa Cartel’s Tijuana Plaza has long been under the control…
Fiery explosion destroys Massachusetts home, injures mother and 2-year-old child

Explosive Incident in Massachusetts Devastates Home, Leaves Mother and Toddler Injured

A devastating explosion ripped through a Massachusetts home on Wednesday morning, severely…
Trump spotlights victims of repeat offenders and illegal aliens in emotional SOTU

Trump’s SOTU: A Powerful Focus on the Impact of Repeat Offenders and Illegal Immigrants

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Donald…