MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Plea negotiations with a Wisconsin judge accused of helping an immigrant evade federal agents are currently underway as her trial date approaches, according to the newly appointed federal prosecutor overseeing the case. Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel revealed to The Associated Press that discussions regarding a potential resolution for Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan are ongoing, despite her attorneys not yet indicating an inclination to accept an offer.
A plea deal could signify a significant shift in a case central to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Schimel emphasized that plea negotiations are a part of the standard process to reach a resolution that minimizes risk for all parties involved.
Dugan's defense team asserts her innocence and is preparing for the trial scheduled for next month. In April, federal agents had learned that an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, was slated to appear before Dugan in a state battery case. During their attempt to apprehend him at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Dugan assisted Flores-Ruiz in evading capture by guiding him out of her courtroom through a private exit, allowing him to escape briefly until federal officers caught him after a foot chase.
This incident led to Dugan’s arrest a week later, with a federal grand jury charging her with obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest in May. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison.
Potential plea discussions are intensifying the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and local authorities regarding the administration's broad immigration enforcement measures. Critics, including Democrats, argue that the administration may be using Dugan’s case to intimidate judges who oppose its immigration policies. High-profile figures within the administration have made public comments vilifying Dugan.
Her trial is set to commence on December 15, and while plea negotiations are taking place, experts suggest that a resolution prior to trial may be challenging given the political ramifications involved.
A plea deal could signify a significant shift in a case central to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Schimel emphasized that plea negotiations are a part of the standard process to reach a resolution that minimizes risk for all parties involved.
Dugan's defense team asserts her innocence and is preparing for the trial scheduled for next month. In April, federal agents had learned that an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, was slated to appear before Dugan in a state battery case. During their attempt to apprehend him at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Dugan assisted Flores-Ruiz in evading capture by guiding him out of her courtroom through a private exit, allowing him to escape briefly until federal officers caught him after a foot chase.
This incident led to Dugan’s arrest a week later, with a federal grand jury charging her with obstruction and concealing an individual from arrest in May. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison.
Potential plea discussions are intensifying the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and local authorities regarding the administration's broad immigration enforcement measures. Critics, including Democrats, argue that the administration may be using Dugan’s case to intimidate judges who oppose its immigration policies. High-profile figures within the administration have made public comments vilifying Dugan.
Her trial is set to commence on December 15, and while plea negotiations are taking place, experts suggest that a resolution prior to trial may be challenging given the political ramifications involved.
