BOSTON – In a shocking turn of events, Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph has referred herself to the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct, a move that will see her face investigation into allegations of judicial misconduct.
The former court officer, Wesley MacGregor, who was charged with perjury, has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the US Attorney’s office. This means that the prosecution against him has been put on hold, pending the outcome of Judge Joseph’s investigation.
The US Attorney, Zachary A. Cunha, announced the decision to drop three counts of the indictment against Judge Joseph, citing that the interests of justice are best served by reviewing the matter before the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct.
According to the indictment, Judge Joseph and MacGregor were charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly preventing an ICE Officer from taking custody of an alien defendant. MacGregor was also charged with one count of perjury.
The investigation into Judge Joseph’s conduct began in April 2019, when she and MacGregor were indicted in the District of Massachusetts. The case has been closely watched, with many calling for accountability in the Massachusetts state court system.
As part of the agreement, Judge Joseph has made factual admissions that the Commission can consider as part of its review. This move is expected to shed light on the allegations against her and determine whether she will face disciplinary action.
The outcome of the investigation will be determined by the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. The US Attorney’s office has stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and take action as needed.
Defendant/Respondent: Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph
Exact Criminal Charges: Obstruction of Justice, Perjury
City and State: Boston, Massachusetts
Exact Date: April 2019
Sentence or Outcome: Investigation ongoing, deferred prosecution agreement
Dollar Amounts: None
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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