BREAKING NEWS: In a shocking courtroom verdict, Judge Hannah Dugan of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court has been convicted of obstructing federal agents. A federal jury delivered the verdict just moments ago, finding her guilty on a felony charge related to her actions during an attempted arrest at her own courthouse earlier this year.
The conviction centers around a tense encounter on April 18, 2023, involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was in Dugan’s courtroom that day. Prosecutors revealed that Dugan informed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney of the presence of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents waiting to arrest him, allowing them to escape through a back door. Federal authorities labeled her actions as deliberate obstruction.
Jurors deliberated for six hours before reaching the verdict. Judge Dugan now faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. Notably, she was acquitted of a separate misdemeanor charge for concealing an individual to prevent arrest.
Following the verdict, Dugan’s legal team expressed disappointment but vowed to fight on. In a statement, they declared, “While we are disappointed in today’s outcome, the failure of the prosecution to secure convictions on both counts demonstrates the opportunity we have to clear Judge Dugan’s name.”
Attorney Brad Schimel, interim U.S. Attorney, urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that the case was not politically motivated. He stated, “This was necessary to hold Judge Dugan accountable in our assessment because of the action she took.” His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who asserted, “Nobody is above the law.”
The verdict carries immediate ramifications. Under Wisconsin law, Dugan is no longer eligible to hold public office and had already been suspended from her position with pay, approximately $175,000 per year, following her arrest in April. The future of her employment status remains uncertain as her defense prepares for an appeal.
As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this case are likely to resonate beyond the courtroom. Communities across Milwaukee and beyond are reacting to the significant breach of trust from a judge sworn to uphold the law. With Dugan’s conviction, the question remains: how will this change the landscape of judicial accountability in the region?
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds and the impact of Judge Hannah Dugan’s actions continues to reverberate.
