A Wisconsin judge accused of interfering with immigration enforcement was found guilty of felony obstruction on Thursday, according to ABC News affiliate WISN.
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan faced a two-count federal indictment alleging she obstructed Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and knowingly concealed an undocumented man to prevent his arrest during an incident at a courthouse in April.
A jury found Dugan guilty of obstructing federal agents, but not guilty of concealing an undocumented immigrant from arrest. Jury deliberations began Thursday afternoon before the verdict was reached.
Dugan, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, could face up to six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.
According to prosecutors, federal immigration agents were at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court on April 18 to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was appearing before Dugan on a battery charge. Prosecutors said Dugan spoke with the agents and then directed them to the chief judge’s office, allegedly diverting them from Flores-Ruiz.
During that time, prosecutors said, Dugan allowed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney to leave the courthouse through a non-public exit in an attempt to help him evade arrest for immigration violations.
Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended outside the courthouse following a brief foot chase, authorities said.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
























