MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge announced Wednesday that the trial for Wisconsin Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan will proceed next month, dismissing speculation about potential plea negotiations. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman set the trial date for December 11, which will include jury selection.
In April, federal prosecutors charged Dugan with obstruction and concealment after she allegedly helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, avoid arrest when federal agents attempted to apprehend him at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
According to court documents, Dugan learned that federal agents were waiting outside her courtroom for Flores-Ruiz and reportedly guided him out through a private door. Despite her efforts, Flores-Ruiz was ultimately captured by the agents following a foot chase and has since been deported.
If convicted on both charges, Dugan faces a potential sentence of six years in prison. U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel noted that plea negotiations were happening, but Dugan's defense team has stated she is not interested in a plea deal.
In preparation for the trial, the defense insists on Dugan's innocence and claims that her actions were conducted within her official role as a judge. Yet, the surrounding circumstances have elicited significant public and political scrutiny.
During Wednesday's hearing, both the prosecution and Dugan's attorneys focused on courtroom logistics instead of any plea deal discussions. Dugan's lead lawyer indicated that they have already dismissed 34 potential jurors based on bias evaluations. A new questionnaire will further probe jurors on their views, owing to the trial's publicity.
Dugan's indictment has become emblematic of the tension between local judicial officials and the Trump administration's strict immigration policies. The administration has criticized Dugan heavily, framing her as an activist judge. The trial will bring to light various perspectives on immigration enforcement and judicial authority.
The U.S. government plans to call 25 to 28 witnesses for its case over at least four days. Alongside immigration agents, the testimony will include individuals who witnessed the encounters in Dugan's courtroom. The defense has yet to reveal their potential witness list or timeline.
Dugan attended Wednesday's hearing but did not address the press before leaving the courthouse.
