Lefty Judge Accused Of Hiding Illegal Migrant From ICE

Medina-Perez’s attorney, David Jellinek, has also testified during cross-examination. He made an immunity deal with federal authorities to testify against Joseph, Fox noted.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Joseph directed a court clerk to inform the ICE agent present to wait in the lobby, claiming that if the defendant were released, he would exit through the courtroom door into the lobby. Later, Joseph allegedly instructed the courtroom clerk to “go off the record for a moment,” resulting in the courtroom audio recorder being turned off for 52 seconds.

Once the audio record was back on, Joseph said she was going to release the defendant. Federal prosecutors argued in court papers that Medina-Perez’s defense attorney had asked to speak with the defendant downstairs and Joseph responded, “That’s fine. Of course.”

When the judge was reminded by the clerk that an ICE officer was in the courthouse awaiting the defendant’s release, Joseph allegedly stated, “That’s fine. I’m not gonna allow them to come in here. But he’s been released on this,” according to court documents.

Prosecutors also alleged that MacGregor escorted the defendant, along with his attorney and an interpreter, downstairs to the courthouse lockup. He then used his security access card to open the rear sally-port door, allowing the defendant to leave undetected. Continue reading…