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
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Virginia nanny's story, dentist murders charges, Barry Morphew's plea

Unraveling Infamous Mysteries: Nanny Love Triangle, Luigi Mangione’s Legal Fight & Ohio Dentist Murder Cases

Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães observed the proceedings in the Fairfax…
Indiana judge shooting: Police arrest 3 on attempted murder charges, 2 others in custody

Indiana Judge Shooting: Three Arrested for Attempted Murder, Two More Detained

Authorities in Indiana have apprehended five individuals in connection with the shooting…
'It was scary': Neighbor’s doorbell camera captures gunfire in Northside attempted home invasion

Terrifying Doorbell Camera Footage: Northside Home Invasion Attempt Caught on Tape

In the video, three individuals are seen approaching a residence before a…
Nets push Celtics to double overtime but fall 130-126

Brooklyn Nets Battle Boston Celtics in Thrilling Double Overtime, Narrowly Lose 130-126

The Brooklyn Nets showed their most spirited performance yet, even though it…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Attempted Robbery on CTA Green Line: Man Stabbed and Injured in South Austin, Chicago

In the early hours of Friday, a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) passenger…
ICE in Chicago: Eighteenth Barber Co. Ponte Tus Moños fundraiser in Pilsen to support families impacted by immigration operations

Pilsen Community Rallies with Eighteenth Barber Co. to Aid Families Affected by ICE Operations in Chicago

In Chicago, a local activist is organizing a unique event centered on…
School board member’s explosive lawsuit claims teachers union lied about funneling money to political groups

School Board Member Sues Teachers Union Over Alleged Misuse of Funds for Political Campaigns

EXCLUSIVE: A legal battle has been initiated by a union oversight group…
California man arrested for allegedly stealing millions in homeless funds

California Resident Accused of Embezzling Millions from Homeless Aid Funds

Authorities in California have apprehended a man accused of misappropriating tens of…
Lafayette, Indiana shooting: 5 arrested after Tippecanoe Judge Steven Meyer, wife, Kimberly shot in Mill Pond Lane home

Five Arrested in Lafayette, Indiana Shooting of Judge Steven Meyer and Wife Kimberly at Mill Pond Lane Home

In Lafayette, Indiana, authorities have taken five individuals into custody concerning a…
Kentucky teacher Sydnee Graf who allegedly sent sexual messages to 5th grade student slapped with rape charge

Kentucky Educator Faces Serious Charges: Alleged Inappropriate Conduct with 5th Grader Unveiled

A Kentucky teacher, previously accused of sending inappropriate messages to a fifth-grade…
Minnesota gears up for anti-immigration enforcement protest Friday despite dangerous cold

Minnesota Braces for Major Anti-Immigration Protest Amidst Frigid Temperatures This Friday

A coalition of labor unions, progressive groups, and religious leaders called on…
ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago Bears' season ends in playoffs; White Sox trade Luis Robert Jr.; Bulls retiring Derrick Rose jersey

ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago Bears Conclude Season in Playoffs; White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr.; Bulls to Retire Derrick Rose’s Jersey

In a dramatic conclusion to their season, the Chicago Bears faced off…