WASHINGTON (CHATNEWSTV) — The Justice Department on Friday announced criminal charges against two current and former judges in New Mexico and Wisconsin, alleging obstruction of federal law enforcement and unlawful concealment of individuals living in the United States illegally.
“These are serious allegations: no one, least of all a judge, should obstruct law enforcement operations,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “Doing so imperils the safety of our officers and undermines the rule of law.”
In New Mexico, former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Jose Luis Cano and his wife, Nancy Ann Cano, were charged with tampering with evidence in a federal investigation tied to a Venezuelan national accused of gang affiliation and illegal possession of firearms.
The individual, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, is alleged to have ties to Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
“It is beyond egregious for a former judge and his wife to aid a suspected gang member by destroying evidence,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Our priority is dismantling Tren de Aragua’s operations in New Mexico, and that includes prosecuting those who support its members.”
Court documents allege that Jose Cano destroyed a cellphone believed to contain incriminating content, including images of Ortega-Lopez with firearms. Nancy Cano allegedly conspired to conceal evidence and facilitated communication between Ortega-Lopez and outside contacts after his arrest.
The Canos each face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Ortega-Lopez, who was released by a magistrate judge pending trial, is the subject of a government appeal citing public safety concerns and risk of flight.
In a separate case in Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah C. Dugan was charged with obstructing federal agents attempting to detain Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national with a prior deportation and recent domestic violence charges.
According to the complaint, Dugan allegedly blocked ICE agents from arresting Flores-Ruiz inside the courthouse and then personally escorted him out of the building through a restricted exit, allowing him to temporarily avoid federal custody.
“Reckless sanctuary city policies create a sanctuary for one class — criminals,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Those days are over.”
Dugan faces up to six years in prison if convicted on two federal counts, including obstructing proceedings before a U.S. agency and concealing a person to prevent arrest.
The cases are being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in New Mexico and Wisconsin are handling the charges.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
