Former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in federal court after being convicted of felony obstruction.
The charge stems from an incident where she helped an undocumented immigrant evade federal immigration agents inside a courthouse.
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The 67-year-old former judge was convicted by a jury on December 19.
The incident occurred on April 18, 2025, when Dugan directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents away from her courtroom.
She then led Eduardo Flores-Ruiz through a private jury door. He was later arrested outside after a foot chase.
Prosecution Seeks Significant Penalty
Federal sentencing guidelines suggest a term of 15 to 21 months in prison.
Prosecutors have not recommended a specific number of months but pushed for a strict penalty in their sentencing memorandum.
Executive Assistant U. S.
Attorney Richard Frohling wrote, "Judges are entrusted with tremendous discretion, but there is a line they cannot cross."
The prosecution emphasized that the former judge violated her oath of office and compromised public safety.
"The defendant crossed that line," Frohling wrote.
The government maintained that the gravity of the actions requires a significant penal response to uphold judicial integrity.
"This was a serious offense, and it warrants a correspondingly serious sentence," Frohling added.
According to reports by Yahoo and WISN, the prosecution summarized their objective by stating they want a "serious and meaningful sentence."
