In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice has referred an investigation into judicial misconduct involving a former federal judge in Alaska to its internal watchdog. This action comes after concerns were raised about conflicts of interest related to cases overseen by the judge, who resigned last week.
The referral follows a request from Alaska’s chief federal public defender, Jamie McGrady, for a review by the Justice Department’s inspector general. McGrady highlighted troubling issues with the disclosure of conflicts involving former U.S. District Judge Joshua Kindred, who had been under scrutiny since November 2022.
Kindred, appointed by former President Donald Trump, stepped down after the 9th Circuit Judicial Council determined he created a hostile work environment for his clerks and engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior. Investigations revealed he had two sexual encounters with a clerk who later joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as a flirtatious relationship with a senior prosecutor who sent him nude photographs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified 23 cases potentially affected by conflicts of interest involving Kindred. Despite this, McGrady criticized the office for failing to disclose these conflicts properly, impairing the ability to assess the scandal’s impact on ongoing cases.
McGrady’s letter also suggested that an independent review by another U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the inspector general, might be necessary to thoroughly address these issues. She expressed concern that defendants were deprived of opportunities to challenge decisions influenced by these conflicts due to the lack of transparency about Kindred’s recusal.
The Justice Department has acknowledged the need to address these concerns and is committed to further disclosures as required.
