Prosecutor Misuses Position in DUI Stop

A prominent federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, has been found to have violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation in Florida last year, according to a report from the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General. The incident occurred on July 4, when Ruddy allegedly struck another vehicle and attempted to use his position as an assistant U.S. attorney to mitigate the consequences. Body-camera footage revealed Ruddy's concern about the implications of the footage being reviewed by authorities. The Inspector General's summary, released recently, did not explicitly name Ruddy but confirmed that an assistant U.S. attorney had misused their position by providing work credentials to law enforcement without solicitation. Following the incident, the Justice Department referred the case to the Inspector General's office for further investigation. Although Ruddy was removed from several cases after inquiries from the Associated Press, he remains in his role as an assistant U.S. attorney. Ruddy, who has a reputation for his dedication and toughness in the courtroom, was found by police at his home in Temple Terrace, Florida, in a compromised state, leaning on his vehicle. Witnesses reported that he did not attempt to brake before the collision, raising questions about his awareness of the incident. The Justice Department has stated that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will take appropriate action as necessary. Between 2018 and 2022, Ruddy played a significant role in the Coast Guard's efforts to combat drug smuggling, contributing to the removal of 888 metric tons of cocaine valued at approximately $26 billion.