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
'I think he would be proud'

Heartfelt Tribute: A Son Reflects on His Father’s Legacy

On Friday, an NYPD detective paid homage to her late father, who…
Luigi Mangione escapes federal death penalty after federal prosecutors decline to appeal judge's ruling

Luigi Mangione Dodges Federal Death Penalty: Prosecutors Opt Out of Appeal

Judge rules Luigi Mangione won’t face death penalty In a significant legal…
Tucker Carlson's antisemitic ramblings 'bordering on pornography,' says Israel ambassador

Israel Ambassador Criticizes Tucker Carlson’s Remarks as ‘Bordering on Pornography’ Due to Antisemitic Content

Israel’s ambassador to the United States sharply criticized Tucker Carlson on Friday,…
Inside KTLA's layoffs as insiders reveal brutal details

Exclusive: Unveiling the Impact and Insider Perspectives on KTLA’s Recent Layoffs

Inside sources at KTLA have revealed a tense atmosphere at the Los…
North Carolina woman arrested nearly 50 years after baby found dead in trash bag at landfill

Cold Case Breakthrough: North Carolina Woman Charged with 1970s Baby Death After Decades of Mystery

Close to half a century after the grim discovery of a newborn…
Virginia murder suspect in bus stop stabbing had lengthy criminal history, multiple dropped charges

Virginia Stabbing: Unveiling the Troubled Past of a Suspect with a History of Dropped Charges

A Virginia man, facing charges for the fatal stabbing of a woman…
Alvin Bragg screwed up again — 'Diaperman' snowball charges should've been decided by grand jury  

Controversy Erupts as Alvin Bragg Faces Backlash for Bypassing Grand Jury in ‘Diaperman’ Snowball Case

History may well recall the moment Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney,…
NYPD top cop Jessica Tisch issues fierce defense of cops — after Mayor Mamdani, DA Bragg dismiss snowball attack

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Stands Firm Against Snowball Attack Dismissal by Mayor Mamdani and DA Bragg

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch made it clear on Friday…
Fury as LA admits it takes 270 days to repair a streetlight

Outrage in Los Angeles: City Reveals Shocking 270-Day Wait for Streetlight Repairs

Frustration is escalating throughout Los Angeles as locals grapple with an astonishing…
DNA is still pending as volunteers find another glove in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Breaking True Crime Updates: New Nancy Guthrie Video, Caleb Flynn Faces Charges, Missing Mom Found and Arrested

An image featuring Nancy Guthrie alongside her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, host of…
NY reps silent on accepting pay while 120,000 DHS workers go unpaid during shutdown

NY Representatives Under Fire: Silence on Pay Acceptance Amid DHS Worker Shutdown Crisis

The majority of New York’s congressional representatives are staying tight-lipped about whether…
Coney Island principal failed to protect 2 elderly stray cats buried repeatedly in snow storms

Coney Island Principal Criticized for Neglecting Elderly Stray Cats During Snowstorms

Animal rights advocates are likening a Coney Island principal to Cruella de…