Federal Prosecutor Faces Ethics Violations After DUI Incident

Joseph Ruddy, known for his work on major narcotics cases, misused his position during a hit-and-run investigation, according to a DOJ watchdog report.

• Ruddy attempted to leverage his position by handing over his Justice Department business card during the DUI stop.
• The incident involved a hit-and-run crash on July 4, 2023, where Ruddy was found highly intoxicated.
• Despite substantial evidence, state prosecutors did not charge Ruddy with hit-and-run or DUI, citing a lack of witnesses.
• Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney but has been removed from several cases since the incident.
• Operation Panama Express, a major narcotics task force Ruddy helped establish, continues to be a significant part of his legacy.

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