A Massachusetts judge accused of helping an illegal immigrant evade ICE has had $127,000 in legal fees paid by taxpayers, according to a report.
In addition, a court officer who was indicted along with the judge has benefitted from $2,500 in legal fees paid by the public, the report said.
Newton District Court Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph, 51, pleaded not guilty in April when she was arraigned in a Boston courtroom on obstruction-of-justice charges stemming from an incident that allegedly took place April 2, 2018.
Prosecutors claimed in court documents in April that Joseph, along with Court Officer Wesley MacGregor, 56, helped Jose Medina-Perez, a twice-deported illegal immigrant with a fugitive warrant for drunken driving in Pennsylvania, sneak out a back door – eluding agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — after he appeared in court to be arraigned on drug charges, according to MassLive.com.
Marine veteran Las Vegas officer killed in shooting; armed suspect also dead
Democrats’ bitter civil war hits Michigan, but biggest prize still up for grabs
Trump warns Iran will be hit ‘really hard’ if nuclear negotiations collapse again
Socialist tenant organizer who blasted ‘sell-out Democrats’ loses Midwest primary
Dems rally behind Michigan prosecutor to champion party in crucial House race
Lindsay Clancy strikes evidence deal as fingerprint gap opens trial debate, expert says
Trump-backed candidate lands GOP nod, setting up high-stakes governor showdown
Big money propels Dem megachurch pastor to victory in longshot Kansas Senate bid
Mom of 4 recovering after suspected spider bite leads to severe complications: reports
Meet the Democrats hoping to flip Virginia’s most competitive House seats in November
Police hunt teen accused of killing Citadel cadet and childhood friend, warn of ‘armed and dangerous’ suspect
Another Grocery Chain Answers Trump’s Call, Cuts Prices on Over 300 Items to Help Americans Still Suffering from Bidenflation
Watch This Rising Dem Star Collapse When Asked if She’s Pro-Thanksgiving – Her Answer Makes Kamala Look Like a Genius
Virginia voters cement swing-district rematch after Dems’ redistricting fail
Virginia Senate race to battle top intel Dem takes shape after redistricting delays
Medina-Perez, who had been barred from entering the U.S. until 2027, was caught by immigration officials about a month after the hearing. He is currently involved in deportation proceedings after previously being deported in 2003 and 2007, the Boston Herald reported.
After her indictment, Joseph was suspended without pay but filed an appeal to have her salary of $184,600 reinstated, the Boston Herald reported. MacGregor was being paid $83,344 a year but recently retired, the report said.
A crowdfunding site, meanwhile, shows that donors have pledged more than $60,000 to help Joseph pay legal bills, according to the Herald.
Taxpayers ceased picking up the tab for the judge when she was indicted, a court official told the newspaper. She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Story cited here.
