In a surprising turn of events, Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan, who was recently apprehended and charged with concealing an illegal immigrant in her jury room to protect him from immigration officials, has enlisted the services of former Bush solicitor general Paul Clemente, as her legal representative.
Clemente, a formidable figure in appellate law, held the position of U.S. solicitor general from 2005 to 2009, during which he argued over 100 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. His name was among those considered by President Donald Trump for Supreme Court nominations during his initial term.
Clemente's legal acumen was also sought in the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, where he advised the Justice Department to dismiss the case with prejudice, effectively barring the refiling of charges. As reported by Fox News, Clemente's decision to join Dugans defense team is noteworthy, given his conservative political leanings and a career dedicated to advocating for conservative causes, including opposition to gun control and same-sex marriage.
Clemente's legal prowess was also evident in his litigation against the Obama administration, where he questioned the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.
Dugan was taken into custody last Friday and charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest, as per a criminal complaint. The incident involved federal agents from ICE, FBI, CBP, and DEA attempting to arrest an illegal Mexican national, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, following his scheduled court appearance before Dugan on April 18. Flores-Ruiz was facing three misdemeanor battery charges for allegedly assaulting two individuals.
Dugan, in an unexpected move, instructed the officers to head to the chief judges office and subsequently escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out through a restricted jury door, thereby helping him evade arrest. Dugan's next court appearance is slated for May 15.
In response to these events, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an administrative order on Tuesday, temporarily relieving Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan of her official duties.
Clemente, a founding partner of Clement & Murphy PLLC, a boutique appellate law firm based in Washington, D.C., also holds a distinguished lecturer position at the Georgetown University Law Center. His illustrious career includes clerking for Judge Laurence H. Silberman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Clemente's recent advocacy in the high court includes arguing Loper Bright v. Raimondo, which effectively overturned the Chevron doctrine, a doctrine that previously allowed agencies to interpret federal regulations.
Clemente will be joining a legal team led by Steve Biskupic, a former U.S. attorney and a George W. Bush appointee who prosecuted seven officers for the 2004 racially motivated assault of Frank Jude Jr. The defense team also includes Craig Mastantuono of Mastantuono Coffee & Thomas and Jason Luczak and Nicole Masnica of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown.
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