Boston Judge Accused Of Shielding Illegal
A Massachusetts investigation has cleared Judge Shelley Richmond Joseph of allegations that she knowingly assisted an undocumented immigrant in evading an ICE arrest. The official findings determined she had no direct involvement in the incident.
According to Hearing Officer Denis J. McInerney, “Judge Joseph did not know about — much less authorize — the escape plan.” The investigation concluded that her actions were not a deliberate attempt to help the defendant avoid federal authorities.
However, the report did find that the judge unintentionally contributed to the situation. McInerney stated that she “inadvertently created the appearance of impropriety and bias” through her actions in the courtroom.
The incident occurred when Judge Joseph permitted the defendant, Medina-Perez, to go back to the courthouse lock-up. She made this decision under the assumption that he needed a private consultation with his lawyer.
Unbeknownst to the judge, the defense attorney and a court officer subsequently used this opportunity to help Medina-Perez exit the building through a rear door, allowing him to avoid the ICE officers present.
While the most serious claims were dismissed, the hearing officer did recommend a public reprimand. This was for Judge Joseph’s decision to hold an off-the-record conversation, an action that was found to have fueled public mistrust.
The federal Justice Department had previously dropped its charges against Judge Joseph in 2022. This followed her decision to self-report the incident and fully cooperate with the state’s judicial conduct commission.
