Judge Shelley Joseph (Credit: public domain)
A Massachusetts judge will soon face a public hearing over serious misconduct allegations. Judge Shelley Joseph is accused of helping a twice-deported illegal migrant escape her courtroom in 2018.
The hearing, scheduled for June 9, will resemble a courtroom trial. Her legal team will have a chance to present evidence. The Commission on Judicial Conduct will oversee the process.
Joseph allegedly allowed Jose Medina-Perez, a migrant with narcotics charges, to exit through a back door. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were waiting with a detainer at the courthouse.
In 2019, former U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling charged Joseph with obstruction of justice and conspiracy. The case made national headlines.
Joseph later surrendered. In response, federal prosecutors dropped the charges. The matter then moved to the state’s judicial oversight body.
The Commission formally charged her late last year. According to the Boston Herald, Joseph is accused of “willful judicial misconduct” and “failing to comply with the law.” (Read more: World Insight Info, 5/7/2025) (Archive)