Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was sentenced Wednesday to a $5,000 fine after her conviction for helping a man avoid federal immigration officers at a courthouse.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman declined to impose prison time or probation, saying Dugan’s conduct was brief and out of character for someone with a long public-service record. Dugan was convicted by a federal jury in December on a felony obstruction charge.
The case stemmed from an April 2025 incident involving Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who appeared in Dugan’s courtroom before federal immigration officers arrived to arrest him. Prosecutors said Dugan helped Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer leave through a side door after learning that officers were present at the courthouse. Flores-Ruiz was arrested shortly afterward.
The Justice Department had sought a stronger punishment, arguing that Dugan used her judicial position to interfere with federal officers carrying out their duties. Dugan’s attorneys asked for time served, saying she had already lost her judgeship and would appeal the conviction.
Dugan resigned from the Milwaukee County Circuit Court and cannot serve as a Wisconsin judge while the felony conviction stands.
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