SergPoznanskiy / Depositphotos.com
CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) Administrative Judge Carl Ashley may have sunk Hannah Dugan’s chances at acquittal.
Judge Ashley was called as a prosecution witness yesterday. He testified that he’d been working on policy for the Milwaukee County courthouse for what was supposed to happen when ICE agents entered the building. But no formal policy had been released. He did circulate a series of emails, which he shared with judges, courthouse security officers, local law enforcement, and ICE.
Judge Ashley suggested that courthouses should be sanctuaries from ICE arrests. But in a later email he acknowledged that his authority extends only to what happens in court. He concluded that rules for public areas were different, and that ICE arrests were allowed in places like hallways. Judge Dugan was cc’d on the email.
So she knew full well that Eduardo Florez Ruiz was going to be arrested, legally, the moment he emerged from her courtroom. Because of that, Judge Dugan did three things. First, she directed the ICE agents to the chief judge’s office. Second, she moved Flores Ruis’ hearing to the first item on her calendar. Third, she showed him and his lawyer to a private hallway near the jury room that led to the street.
The only explanation for her actions is that she wanted Flores Ruis to avoid arrest, and that’s exactly what she’s charged with.
Her colleague, Judge Kristela Cervera, also testified. She said Judge Dugan was angry when ICE agents showed up in the hallway. Judge Cervera also said Dugan tricked her, asking her to come into the hallway in her robe to direct the agents to the chief judge’s office. Cervera testified that she was worried she could also be charged with obstruction.
We will learn today if Judge Dugan will testify in her own defense. Defendants testify, and open themselves up to cross examination, only if they feel that they are in legal jeopardy. Judge Dugan most certainly is.
Chris Conley
Comments