Overview
- Prosecutors told jurors that Judge Hannah Dugan directed federal agents to the chief judge, then led Eduardo Flores-Ruiz through a jury door to a public corridor before agents arrested him outside after a foot chase.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Alexander said Dugan told her court reporter she would “take the heat,” as the government played courtroom audio and showed security video in its opening presentation.
- Defense attorney Steven Biskupic argued Dugan acted in good faith under courthouse guidance, routinely rescheduled the hearing, and lacked any corrupt intent to impede an arrest.
- A 12-member jury and two alternates were seated last week, and prosecutors expect to call roughly two dozen witnesses over several days after opening statements.
- Dugan has pleaded not guilty, remains suspended from the bench, and faces up to six years in prison if convicted, while Flores-Ruiz was deported in November after his state case concluded.