Boston Judge Accused Of Shielding Illegal

Judge Cleared of Helping Immigrant Escape ICE Arrest

A Massachusetts investigation found that Judge Shelley Richmond Josephdid not knowingly help an undocumented immigrant avoid ICE arrest,though she unintentionally contributed to the confusion. Hearing Officer Denis J. McInerney concluded,“Judge Joseph did not know about — much less authorize — the escape plan… However,

I find that she inadvertently created the appearance of impropriety and bias.”

Joseph had allowed the defendant, Medina-Perez, to return to the courthouse lock-up,assuming he needed to speak privately with his lawyer.

Unbeknownst to her, the attorney and a court officer later helped him exit through a rear door.

McInerney dismissed claims that Joseph approved the escape but recommended

a public reprimand for holding an off-the-record sidebar that fueled public mistrust.

The Justice Department dropped federal charges in 2022 after Joseph reported herself and

cooperated with the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct.