This story was updated to add new information.
We have some early takes on the split verdict in the federal case against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan:
➤”Dugan is a disgrace.” — Harry Bailitiz, Milwaukee
➤”If Dugan was found guilty to the felony portion It seems strange that there was a split decision on the misdemeanor.” — Stuart Rindy, Waunakee
➤”Judge Dugan did the right thing. Shame on the prosecutors.” — Sue Robinson, Milwaukee
A jury on Dec. 18 found Dugan guilty of obstructing federal agents, a felony, and not guilty on the second, concealing an individual to prevent an arrest, a misdemeanor, following a four day trial.
The complaint and indictment allege Dugan, 66, helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz elude federal immigration officials at the Milwaukee County Courthouse after he appeared in her courtroom on April 18. Federal agents chased Flores-Ruiz down outside the courthouse and arrested him. He was later deported.
Please send us your take on the case. You can click on the link or directly into the poll embedded into this story.
The arrest of the Milwaukee judge drew national headlines. Her handcuffing and perp walk were panned as evidence of federal overreach while she was criticized for interfering with the arrest of an undocumented immigrant. The debate over the case intensified amid a national immigration crackdown by the Trump Administration, which included sending federalized National Guard troops into cities and masked ICE agents arresting suspected undocumented immigrants.
Here is what readers had to say on the verdict:
Dugan put the public and federal agents at risk
“Former” Judge Dugan knowingly committed a crime, possibly putting agents and the public at risk. If anyone knows the law, it’s a judge. She no longer can represent the bench or our judicial system if she is willing to break the law for “personal political” reasoning. I believe she should face the bar and have her license revoked! She is a disgrace to her fellow judiciary and the residents of Wisconsin.
Jeff Lowry, Edgerton
If Judge Dugan is going to appeal, let it be from prison cell
It is obvious that she is guilty. She should get the maximum sentence. Judges, more than anyone else, should follow the letter of the law. If Dugan is going to appeal, let her do it from prison. I am tired of judges making up rules and laws that suit their opinions and stomp on the law.
Paul Radtke, Lisbon
Dugan let political views get in way of Constitutional law
Dugan should be stripped of her law degree and the honor to hold a court seat. She let here political views get in the way of constitutional law. I also think it’s absurd that she’s been getting paid this whole time. She should have to give back the money as she is unfit to serve.
Ron Reinke, Oak Creek
Our country is governed by law. Judges are not above the law.
We live in a country governed by laws. Judges are not above the law. The judge’s action violated statutory law and legal and judicial ethics. The judge obstructed the law enforcement officers and exposed them to potential harm by allowing the person they intended to arrest to gain access to the street. The judge attempted to intimidate the law enforcement officers who showed her respect. If the judge had been acquitted after the government presented such a strong case, the respect for the rule of law would have been suffered.
Robbie Mayer, Tucson, Arizona
The split verdict in Hannah Dugan case is puzzling
I am not sure how the jury could definitively conclude Judge Dugan was obstructing the federal agents, when it seemed as if everyone involved was unclear on the process that should have been observed in the Courthouse. It wasn’t apparent that the agents had the correct warrant; no policy covering arrests in the Courthouse had been developed; and even her fellow judges and the courtroom staff seemed to be surprised by the agents’ actions. Finally, part of the case hinged on her intentions, and in following the case, very little that could be construed as proof addressed that issue. No wonder the jury was split on their verdict.
Cathy Markwiese, Milwaukee
Dugan made costly mistake for man who didn’t deserve compassion
I think Judge Dugan made a mistake but as the same time I think she did what she thought was the right thing to do but the man in her courtroom did not deserve her compassion and now she will pay a hefty price for which she has my sympathy. Far too often the courts and the police in this city seem more interested in protecting the offenders when they should be thinking about the victims and the community that pays their wages. That guy she helped is a criminal. I don’t understand why she did what she did, considering she is a judge. Also, she should have known better than to trust that a jury would agree with her. I have been on jury duty 3 times and I was repeatedly amazed at how fickle juries can be. She’s probably going to be kicked off the bench and lose her retirement benefits, which is sad but she made that decision and the consequences will be painful.
James Asbury, Milwaukee
The verdict won’t end the debate. Please share your reaction in our poll.
Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@gannett.com or 920-993-7154.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Share your take on split verdict in Judge Hannah Dugan case | Opinion
Reporting by James N. Fitzhenry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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