Title: Massachusetts Judge Faces Suspension Over Alleged Misconduct
The misconduct hearing for Judge Shelley Joseph concluded on Monday, with the Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) urging her indefinite suspension and referral to state lawmakers for potential removal. Accused of facilitating the escape of Jose Medina-Perez, an undocumented immigrant, during a 2018 court appearance, Joseph reportedly allowed him to exit through a back door to evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents waiting in the lobby.
Judicial special counsel Judith Fabricant argued that Joseph’s actions undermined judicial authority and brought disrepute to her office. Civil charges allege she engaged in willful misconduct, acting prejudicially to the administration of justice and unbecoming of her position. Meanwhile, Joseph’s attorneys contended that she was adhering to state law and accused her co-defendant, Medina-Perez’s defense attorney David Jellinek, of crafting the escape plan.
Jellinek admitted to discussing the escape amidst court proceedings, stating he felt it was a zealous defense action. The hearing officer is expected to deliver a written report and recommendation by early August, leaving the outcome of the charges pending as Joseph awaits a decision on her fate in the judiciary.
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