Federal Grand Jury Indicts Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan in Immigration Case, Journal Sentinel Reports

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) – A federal grand jury indicted Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan on Tuesday, accusing her of helping an undocumented immigrant evade arrest by federal agents in her courtroom last month, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

A federal grand jury is a group of citizens who privately review evidence presented by prosecutors and determine whether there is probable cause to formally charge someone with a federal crime.

Judge Dugan faces charges of obstructing a U.S. agency and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.

The indictment alleges Dugan confronted federal agents, claimed they needed a judicial warrant, and directed the defendant and his attorney to exit through a non-public door. The man was later arrested outside the courthouse.

Dugan, who has been temporarily suspended from her judicial duties, is expected to enter a plea at a May 15 hearing. Her attorneys have said she “asserts her innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court,” according to the Journal Sentinel. A US Attorney General and Solicitor General under George W. Bush, Paul Clement, is part of her legal team.