A federal judge in Alaska, who recently resigned following an investigation into inappropriate conduct, failed to disclose conflicts of interest in 23 criminal cases, according to prosecutors. The judge, appointed in 2020, was found to have engaged in misconduct, including an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former clerk who later became an assistant U.S. Attorney.
The investigation revealed that the judge received nude photos from an assistant U.S. Attorney and exchanged suggestive texts with a private attorney, both of whom had cases before him. Additionally, the judge was accused of creating a hostile work environment for his clerks by discussing his personal life inappropriately.
Following the resignation of the judge, the top federal defender in Alaska announced plans to conduct an independent investigation. The matter has been referred to the Judicial Conference of the United States to consider impeachment proceedings against the former judge.
The U.S. Attorney's office in Alaska reviewed cases to identify potential conflicts of interest arising from the judge's interactions with federal prosecutors. It was discovered that 23 cases may have been affected, including those involving firearms theft, drug distribution, and felon in possession of a firearm charges.
The federal defender's office called for a broader investigation into other potentially impacted cases and expressed concerns about the handling of conflicts of interest by the U.S. Attorney's office. The office stated that it is continuing to review cases to ensure disclosure and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
As the investigation unfolds, efforts are being made to address the implications of the judge's misconduct on past cases and to uphold the integrity of the judicial process in Alaska.
