Posted on 08/03/2020 9:33:18 AM PDT by bitt
A Massachusetts judge is one step closer to facing a federal trial on charges that she assisted an illegal immigrant in avoiding federal apprehension.
A federal judge last week declined to dismiss charges against Massachusetts District Court Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph and now-retired Massachusetts trial court officer Wesley MacGregor.
Joseph, MacGregor, and a defense attorney are accused of helping a Dominican man evade being taken into custody at the Newton District Court by ICE agents after a 2018 hearing on criminal charges including drug possession. Prosecutors say the man had previously been removed from the U.S. twice and was barred from reentering the country until 2027.
Approximately one month after his escape, the fugitive was apprehended by immigration authorities, according to the Associated Press.
"Joseph’s lawyers have blasted prosecutors for what the defense has called an 'extraordinary sweetheart deal granting complete immunity' to the immigrant’s defense attorney, who they say was the 'architect and ringleader' of the man’s escape plan," the AP reported. "Her lawyers say Joseph had no idea about the plan, but they argue that even if the allegations were true, judicial immunity shields judges from liability for acts 'taken in their judicial role.'"
The federal judge has refused to grant the request to dismiss conspiracy and obstruction charges. Joseph and MacGregor have both pled not guilty.
"After careful consideration, the motions to dismiss are DENIED because the Indictment alleges the elements of the offenses and sufficient supporting factual detail," U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin wrote in his July 27 ruling.
(Excerpt) Read more at justthenews.com ...
p
Should get hard time for helping a twice deported drug dealer escape.
Very little or nothing at all will happen to her. There will be a technicality or other legal maneuver that will impact her case. They take care of their own...
“”Joseph’s lawyers have blasted prosecutors for what the defense has called an ‘extraordinary sweetheart deal granting complete immunity’ to the immigrant’s defense attorney, who they say was the ‘architect and ringleader’ of the man’s escape plan,” the AP reported.”
So they admit there was an escape plan.
bttt
AP photos aren’t allow on FR.
Thanks for the good news. America’s robed mullahs are not who they appear to be.
Of course!...If the weren’t protected they'd all be in jail...
Ive know some “judges” socially..get a few drinks in them and they brag about how they let someone go or railroaded another...
Take away her pension. Hit the liberals where it hurts them most - in the pocketbook. The greediest, most money hungry people I know are liberals.
I really hope she goes to jail...does anyone know if she has been removed from her judgeship!!!
bttt
I get the feeling this is eyewash. She wouldn’t be charged in the state for a state crime. Aiding a criminal being sought by ICE after violating an order to stay out is a federal crime. She could do nothing, and be fine. But she supposedly aided. Accessory...to a federal crime. They’re not in Massachusetts any more Toto.
rwood
Which they knew about.
Judges are not immune from criminal liability. They are only immune from civil liability for their judicial actions.
Lots of judges have gone to prison for crimes related to judicial acts.
There are also situations in which judges have been held civilly liable for administrative actions.
Fire her, revoke her pension, and imprison her for twice the time the criminal would’ve got.
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