Judge Faces Severe Consequences for Allegedly Aiding Illegal Immigrant’s Escape

In a controversial case that has captured attention, Judge Shelley Joseph, a Boston Municipal Court judge, is slated for a public hearing on June 9 in Suffolk County Superior Court. This follows an incident in April 2018, where she is accused of helping an illegal immigrant evade ICE agents by allowing him to exit through a side door of her courtroom.

Details of the 2018 Incident

The individual in question, Jose Medina-Perez from the Dominican Republic, had been deported twice before, in 2003 and 2007. During a court session presided over by Judge Joseph, Medina-Perez faced charges of drug possession and being a fugitive from justice in Pennsylvania. It was during this session that the alleged escape plan was executed.

According to reports, ICE agents were present at the courthouse with a civil immigration detainer, which would allow them to take custody of Medina-Perez upon his release. However, before the final hearing, it is alleged that Medina-Perez’s defense attorney colluded with a court officer to facilitate his client’s discreet exit through a sally-port door, typically used for secure entries and exits.

Judicial Misconduct Allegations

The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct has issued a scathing 112-page report accusing Judge Joseph of willful judicial misconduct. The report criticizes her for not being candid with judicial disciplinary authorities and for her role in the incident. The commission has recommended that a hearing officer, likely a retired judge, preside over the upcoming public hearing to determine whether Judge Joseph should be removed from her position, which carries an annual salary of $207,855.

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During the hearing, evidence will be presented by both the attorneys for Judge Joseph and the commission. The focus will be on whether Judge Joseph’s actions during the 2018 incident warrant her removal from the bench.

Response from Judge Joseph’s Camp

Thomas Hoopes, attorney for Judge Joseph, has indicated that the judge is looking forward to the hearing where “all the circumstances finally become public.” There is speculation about whether a settlement might be reached before the hearing.

Outcome of the Incident

Despite the alleged escape attempt, ICE officers eventually arrested Medina-Perez on April 19, 2018, for his immigration violations. The actions taken in the courtroom that day have led to significant repercussions for Judge Joseph, highlighting the ongoing tension between local judiciary decisions and federal immigration enforcement.

This case underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement and judicial conduct in the United States, particularly in cities like Boston where such issues are highly contentious.