A Milwaukee judge who helped an illegal immigrant evade authorities has been convicted following a four-day trial. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has now been convicted of a felony obstruction charge, but is also acquitted of a misdemeanor count.
“Former Wisconsin state judge Hannah Dugan betrayed her oath and the people she served when she obstructed federal law enforcement during an immigration enforcement operation,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X. “Today, a federal jury of her peers found her guilty and sent a clear message: the American people respect law and order. This Department will not tolerate obstruction, will enforce federal immigration law, and will hold criminals to account – even those who wear robes.”
“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 and show she did nothing wrong in this matter,” the judge’s legal team said in a statement obtained by Fox 6 Milwaukee. “We have planned for this potential outcome and our defense of Judge Dugan is just beginning. This trial required considerable resources to prepare for and public support for Judge Dugan’s defense fund is critical as we prepare for the next phase of this defense.”
Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April following her arrest. “The court has learned that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah C. Dugan has been charged with two federal criminal offenses, one of which is a felony and one of which is a misdemeanor,” a court document read. “The court is charged in the Wisconsin Constitution with exercising superintending and administrative authority over the courts of this state.”
“In the exercise of that constitutional authority and in order to uphold the public’s confidence in the courts of this state during the pendency of the criminal proceeding against Judge Dugan, we conclude, on our own motion, that it is in the public interest that she be temporarily relieved of her official duties,” the document noted.
