District Court Judge indicted for aiding criminal illegal alien escape Federal capture

This is one of those small things that is actually huge. Small because it's just one judge, huge because it's first (that I know of) and it signals willingness to pursue other similar cases. It is a small stone thrown into a swamp with ripples felt throughout the whole nation. Because there are tons of other people, entire cities, doing this same thing.

Judge Shelly Joseph and a court officer are charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of a federal proceeding. And perjury. (Testified he didn't know ICE was in the building, the record shows otherwise.)

They helped him escape though a basement door and evade ICE.

“This case is about the rule of law,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “The allegations in today’s indictment involve obstruction by a sitting judge, that is intentional interference with the enforcement of federal law, and that is a crime. We cannot pick and choose the federal laws we follow, or use our personal views to justify violating the law. Everyone in the justice system – not just judges, but law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and defense counsel – should be held to a higher standard. The people of Massachusetts expect that, just like they expect judges to be fair, impartial and to follow the law themselves.”

A lot more juicy stuff here.

The man is from the Dominican Republic. He was facing drug charges and a fugitive warrant from Pennsylvania for drunken driving.

Drugs and alcohol, the downfall of many an illegal immigrant.