Huge Differences in the Number of Persons Sentenced by Individual Judges
Where Does Your Judge Rank?Robert C. Brack was confirmed as a judge for the federal district of New Mexico on July 14, 2003. He reports that in the ensuing years — almost 12 of them now — he has achieved what he views as an unfortunate record. "By the end of 2015, if the government's criminal enforcement of the immigration laws is not substantially changed, I will have sentenced more than 15,000 individuals."
Though looking at the full historical record of the courts on this question is difficult, Judge Brack's total count may well mean that he has sentenced more federal criminal defendants than any other federal district judge in U.S. history.
But only focusing on the last five years the judge's record for FY 2010-FY 2014 is staggering: 6,708 defendants, by far the most in the nation and nearly 2,000 more than the next judge on the list. These counts are based on the analysis of millions of records by the Transactional Records Access Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) of Syracuse University.
As suggested above, Judge Brack is not proud of his distinctive record. "It just tears at my heart," he said in a brief conversation with TRAC. The judge, in this and other interviews, has said he does not agree with the heavy reliance of Congress and the administration in using criminal sanctions as an important way to deal with the flood of undocumented individuals attempting to come to the United States, especially along the borders with Mexico. On the day Judge Brack was interviewed, he said one mother he had just convicted would not be able to legally return to her family in Los Angeles since she would be deported and barred from returning.
While fully explaining the stark judge-to-judge variations is a challenge, mostly because of the many different forces always at work in shaping the day-to-day operations of the courts, one of them can mostly be ruled out as a significant factor: the personal work habits of individual judges. Thus, the explanation for Judge Brack's unique position was almost certainly determined by political, administrative and judicial forces not subject to his control.
Indeed, as shown in Table 1 which lists the judges according to the number of individuals they sentenced during the past five years, judges based in the five judicial districts along the southwest border occupy the top 48 places. For example, in second place, sentencing 4,738 defendants was Judge Robert A. Junell, who served in the Western District of Texas. Three judges from the Southern District of Texas — Judge Micaela Alvarez (sentenced 4,687), Judge Randy Crane (sentenced 4,528), and Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa (sentenced (4,172) — came in third, fourth and fifth. Like Judge Brack, all serve in jurisdictions along the southwest border where criminal prosecutions for illegal re-entry are common.
Table 1. Criminal Caseload for Individual Judges in District Court, Fiscal Year 2010-2014
(Click column header to sort, click table title to go to the Judge Information Center)
Judge District Sentenced Brack, Robert C. N Mexico 6708 Junell, Robert A. Texas, W 4738 Alvarez, Micaela Texas, S 4687 Crane, Randy Texas, S 4528 Hinojosa, Ricardo H. Texas, S 4172 Kazen, George P. Texas, S 3898 Cardone, Kathleen Texas, W 3451 Montalvo, Frank Texas, W 3442 Briones, David Texas, W 3397 Hanen, Andrew S. Texas, S 3362 Collins, Raner Christercunean Arizona 3338 Martinez, Philip Ray Texas, W 3327 Jorgenson, Cindy K. Arizona 3289 Bury, David C. Arizona 2841 Tagle, Hilda G. Texas, S 2733 Rainey, John David Texas, S 1997 Huff, Marilyn L. Cal, S 1960 Hayes, William Q. Cal, S 1941 Houston, John A. Cal, S 1902 Biery, Samuel Frederick, Jr. Texas, W 1839 Sabraw, Dana Makoto Cal, S 1831 Conway, John Edwards N Mexico 1778 Benitez, Roger T. Cal, S 1728 Burns, Larry Alan Cal, S 1722 Anello, Michael M. Cal, S 1695 Sammartino, Janis Lynn Cal, S 1665 Garcia, Orlando Luis Texas, W 1657 Head, Hayden Wilson, Jr. Texas, S 1600 Sparks, Sam Texas, W 1596 Moses, Alia M. Texas, W 1577 Yeakel, Earl Leroy, III Texas, W 1554 Snow, G. Murray Arizona 1515 Campbell, David G. Arizona 1505 Ramos, Nelva Gonzales Texas, S 1490 Bolton, Susan Ritchie Arizona 1487 Smith, Walter Scott, Jr. Texas, W 1472 Zipps, Jennifer Guerin Arizona 1456 Jack, Janis Graham Texas, S 1441 Wake, Neil Vincent Arizona 1436 Crone, Marcia A. Texas, E 1394 Rodriguez, Xavier Texas, W 1391 Lorenz, M. James Cal, S 1387 Moskowitz, Barry Ted Cal, S 1340 Gonzales, Kenneth John N Mexico 1283 Parker, James Aubrey N Mexico 1247 Johnson, William Paul N Mexico 1217 Saldana, Diana Texas, S 1191 Teilborg, James A. Arizona 1191 Reade, Linda R. Iowa, N 1111 Whelan, Thomas J. Cal, S 1104 Gonzalez, Irma Elsa Cal, S 1088 Arcara, Richard Joseph N. Y., W 1075 Silver, Roslyn O. Arizona 1052 Martone, Frederick J. Arizona 1047 Garcia Marmolejo, Marina Texas, S 1034 Miller, Jeffrey T. Cal, S 1023 Guaderrama, David C. Texas, W 995 Zapata, Frank R. Arizona 982 Fuste, Jose Antonio Puer Rico 971 Skretny, William M. N. Y., W 971 Greer, J. Ronnie Tenn, E 967 Ishii, Anthony W. Cal, E 962 O'Neill, Lawrence Joseph Cal, E 962 Cummings, Samuel Ray Texas, N 955 Dominguez, Daniel R. Puer Rico 954 Erickson, Ralph R. N Dakota 940 Smith Camp, Laurie Smith Nebraska 933 Besosa, Francisco Augusto Puer Rico 891 Schell, Richard A. Texas, E 886 Bataillon, Joseph F. Nebraska 872 Delgado-Colon, Aida M. Puer Rico 820 Garcia-Gregory, Jay A. Puer Rico 807 Gelpi, Gustavo Antonio, Jr. Puer Rico 799 Herrera, Judith C. N Mexico 796 Flanagan, Louise W. N Car, E 794 Browning, James O. N Mexico 775 Lodge, Edward J. Idaho 770 Breen, J. Daniel Tenn, W 763 Cerezo, Carmen Consuelo Puer Rico 756 Armijo, M. Christina N Mexico 755 Dever, James C., III N Car, E 751 Boyle, Terrence William N Car, E 749 Stewart, Brian Theadore Utah 739 Mattice, Harry Sandlin, Jr. Tenn, E 728 Lenard, Joan A. Fla, S 713 Perez-Gimenez, Juan Manuel Puer Rico 704 Benson, Dee Vance Utah 698 Bencivengo, Cathy Ann Cal, S 697 Varlan, Thomas A. Tenn, E 692 Waddoups, Clark Utah 688 Winmill, B. Lynn Idaho 686 Collier, Curtis Lynn Tenn, E 683 Thompson, Gordon, Jr. Cal, S 676 Bennett, Mark W. Iowa, N 670 Marra, Kenneth A. Fla, S 649 Lange, Roberto Antonio S Dakota 644 Middlebrooks, Donald M. Fla, S 641 Vazquez, Martha Alicia N Mexico 641 Cooke, Marcia G. Fla, S 637 Hovland, Daniel L. N Dakota 637 Means, Terry R. Texas, N 633 Ungaro, Ursula Mancusi Fla, S 631 Lee, Gerald Bruce Virg, E 627 Martinez, Jose E. Fla, S 625 Jones, James Parker Virg, W 622 McCalla, Jon Phipps Tenn, W 618 Schreier, Karen E. S Dakota 612 Reeves, Danny C. Texas, W 610 Steele, John E. Fla, M 598 Mays, Samuel H., Jr. Tenn, W 595 Moore, Kevin Michael Fla, S 595 Keeley, Irene Patricia Murphy W Virg, N 591 Dimitrouleas, William P. Fla, S 589 McBryde, John H. Texas, N 581 Harwell, Robert Bryan S Car 580 Black, Bruce D. N Mexico 569 Bell, Robert Holmes Mich, W 567 Graham, Donald L. Fla, S 567 Hendren, Jimm Larry Ark, W 563 Rosenblatt, Paul Gerhardt Arizona 561 Siragusa, Charles J. N. Y., W 561 Jonker, Robert James Mich, W 559 Altonaga, Cecilia M. Fla, S 558 Covington, Virginia Maria Hernandez Fla, M 558 Cohn, James I. Fla, S 557 Zloch, William J. Fla, S 555 Steele, William H. Ala, S 552 DuBose, Kristi K. Ala, S 549 Schneider, Michael H., Sr. Texas, E 549 Russell, Thomas B. Ken, W 543 Schroeder, Thomas D. N Car, M 542 Clark, Ron Texas, E 540 Kopf, Richard George Nebraska 538 Bailey, John Preston W Virg, N 534 Randa, Rudolph Thomas Wisc, E 532 Reidinger, Martin Karl N Car, W 531 Crabb, Barbara Brandriff Wisc, W 530 Jordan, Robert Leon Tenn, E 530 Conrad, Robert James, Jr. N Car, W 526 Kovachevich, Elizabeth Anne Fla, M 524 Anderson, Stanley Thomas Tenn, W 522 Roll, John McCarthy Arizona 519 Adelman, Lynn S. Wisc, E 518 Johnson, Alan Bond Wyoming 516 Royal, C. Ashley Ga, M 515 Kays, David Gregory Mo, W 514 Jarvey, John Alfred Iowa, S 510 Kimball, Dale A. Utah 505 Merryday, Steven Douglas Fla, M 502 Moody, James S., Jr. Fla, M 502 Whitney, Frank DeArmon N Car, W 502 Davis, Leonard E. Texas, E 500 Autrey, Henry Edward Mo, E 499 Granade, Callie V. Ala, S 491 Campbell, Tena Utah 487 Neff, Janet T. Mich, W 486 Gritzner, James E. Iowa, S 482 Larimer, David G. N. Y., W 482 Sippel, Rodney W. Mo, E 482 Fenner, Gary A. Mo, W 479 Quarles, William D., Jr. Maryland 479 Curiel, Gonzalo Paul Cal, S 472 Gilbert, John Phil Ill, S 472 Maloney, Paul Lewis Mich, W 471 Hurd, David N. N. Y., N 468 Perry, Catherine D. Mo, E 468 Thapar, Amul Roger Ken, E 466 Wooten, Terry L. S Car 466 Reagan, Michael Joseph Ill, S 464 Whittemore, James D. Fla, M 464 Murguia, Carlos Kansas 462 Vratil, Kathryn Hoefer Kansas 461 Corrigan, Timothy J. Fla, M 460 Anderson, Joseph Fletcher, Jr. S Car 457 Bucklew, Susan C. Fla, M 457 Osteen, William Lindsay, Jr. N Car, M 455 Spencer, James Randolph Virg, E 453 Van Tatenhove, Gregory Frederick Ken, E 452 Blake, Catherine C. Maryland 450 Whipple, Dean Mo, W 449 Viken, Jeffrey Lynn S Dakota 448 Miller, Robert Lowell, Jr. Ind, N 445 Moreno, Federico A. Fla, S 445 Herndon, David R. Ill, S 444 Fox, James Carroll N Car, E 443 Phillips, Thomas W. Tenn, E 443 Bunning, David L. Ken, E 442 Suddaby, Glenn T. N. Y., N 442 Belot, Monti L. Kansas 440 Howard, Marcia Morales Fla, M 439 Stadtmueller, Joseph Peter Wisc, E 437 Bennett, Richard D. Maryland 435 England, Morrison C., Jr. Cal, E 435 Limbaugh, Stephen Nathaniel, Jr. Mo, E 433 Hudson, Henry E. Virg, E 430 Haddon, Sam E. Montana 429 McAvoy, Thomas James N. Y., N 423 Sessions, William K., III Vermont 422 Hinkle, Robert Lewis Fla, N 421 Blackburn, Robert E. Colorado 417 Krieger, Marcia S. Colorado 417 Hamilton, Jean Constance Mo, E 416 King, James Lawrence Fla, S 415 Currie, Cameron McGowan S Car 414 Jackson, Carol E. Mo, E 414 Arguello, Christine M. Colorado 413 Eagles, Catherine Caldwell N Car, M 413 Robinson, Julie A. Kansas 412 Marten, John Thomas Kansas 411 Aiken, Ann L. Oregon 409 McKinley, Joseph H., Jr. Ken, W 409 Brimmer, Philip A. Colorado 408 Nugent, Donald C. Ohio, N 408 Burrell, Garland Ellis, Jr. Cal, E 407 Campbell, Todd J. Tenn, M 407 Melgren, Eric F. Kansas 407 Lazzara, Richard A. Fla, M 405 Edenfield, Berry Avant Ga, S 404 Ellison, Keith P. Texas, S 402 Gaitan, Fernando J., Jr. Mo, W 402 Clevert, Charles N., Jr. Wisc, E 401 Seitz, Patricia A. Fla, S 401 Hittner, David Texas, S 400 Lawrence, William T. Ind, S 399 Aycock, Sharion Miss, N 398 Mosman, Michael W. Oregon 398 Harmon, Melinda Texas, S 397 Hurley, Daniel T. K. Fla, S 396 Solis, Jorge Antonio Texas, N 396 Moore, William Theodore, Jr. Ga, S 394 Mordue, Norman A. N. Y., N 391 Heartfield, Thad Texas, E 389 Eagan, Claire V. Okla, N 388 O'Connor, Reed Charles Texas, N 388 Molloy, Donald W. Montana 387 Howard, Malcolm Jones N Car, E 386 Trauger, Aleta Arthur Tenn, M 385 Hilton, Claude M. Virg, E 384 Cebull, Richard F. Montana 382 Hughes, Lynn Nettleton Texas, S 382 Scola, Robert Nichols, Jr. Fla, S 382 Chambers, Robert Charles W Virg, S 381 Conway, Anne C. Fla, M 380 Lynn, Barbara M. Texas, N 379 Ryskamp, Kenneth L. Fla, S 378 Polster, Dan A. Ohio, N 375 Strom, Lyle Elmer Nebraska 375 Tilley, Norwood Carlton, Jr. N Car, M 375 Smith, William E. R. I. 373 Brown, Anna J. Oregon 372 McCuskey, Michael Patrick Ill, C 372 Anderson, George Ross, Jr. S Car 371 Voorhees, Richard Lesley N Car, W 371 Haynes, William Joseph, Jr. Tenn, M 368 Atlas, Nancy Friedman Texas, S 365 Freudenthal, Nancy Dell Wyoming 365 Jones, Robert Clive Nevada 365 Payne, Robert E. Virg, E 364 Mendez, John A. Cal, E 361 Woodcock, John A., Jr. Maine 361 Lisi, Mary M. R. I. 359 Beaty, James A., Jr. N Car, M 357 Settle, Benjamin Hale Wash, W 353 Shea, Edward F. Wash, E 353 Titus, Roger W. Maryland 353 Young, Richard L. Ind, S 353 Hall, James Randal Ga, S 351 Nielsen, William Fremming Wash, E 351 Frizzell, Gregory Kent Okla, N 350 Sachs, Howard Frederic Mo, W 350 Wright, Susan Webber Ark, E 350 Lioi, Sara Elizabeth Ohio, N 349 Daniel, Wiley Young Colorado 348 Trenga, Anthony John Virg, E 348 Fleissig, Audrey Goldstein Mo, E 347 Sands, W[illie] Louis Ga, M 347 Boyko, Christopher A. Ohio, N 346 Mahan, James C. Nevada 346 Reeves, Danny C. Ken, E 346 O'Grady, Liam Virg, E 345 White, Ronald A. Okla, E 345 Hoyt, Kenneth M. Texas, S 344 Reiss, Christina Clair Vermont 343 Brinkema, Leonie M. Virg, E 341 Davis, Mark Steven Virg, E 341 Miller, Brian Stacy Ark, E 341 Miller, Gray Hampton Texas, S 341 Caldwell, Karen K. Ken, E 340 Ludington, Thomas Lamson Mich, E 339 Lake, Simeon Timothy, III Texas, S 337 Suko, Lonny R. Wash, E 335 Brady, James J. La, M 333 Haggerty, Ancer Lee Oregon 332 Adams, John R. Ohio, N 331 Rodgers, Margaret Catharine Fla, N 331 Holmes, J[ames] Leon Ark, E 330 Rosenthal, Lee Hyman Texas, S 330 Fitzwater, Sidney Allen Texas, N 329 Panner, Owen Murphy Oregon 329 Moody, James Maxwell Ark, E 328 Seymour, Margaret B. S Car 328 Copenhaver, John Thomas, Jr. W Virg, S 327 Hood, Joseph Martin Ken, E 326 Watkins, William Keith Ala, M 326 Pratt, Robert W. Iowa, S 325 Wanger, Oliver Winston Cal, E 325 Murphy, G. Patrick Ill, S 324 Lasnik, Robert S. Wash, W 321 Presnell, Gregory A. Fla, M 321 Irizarry, Dora L. N. Y., E 320 Jones, Richard A. Wash, W 320 Story, Richard W. Ga, N 320 Antoon, John, II Fla, M 317 Gilmore, Vanessa D. Texas, S 317 Motz, J. Frederick Maryland 316 Dawson, Kent J. Nevada 315 Jackson, Raymond Alvin Virg, E 315 Springmann, Theresa Lazar Ind, N 315 Robinson, Mary Lou Texas, N 313 Scriven, Mary Stenson Fla, M 313 Griesbach, William C. Wisc, E 312 Wood, Lisa Godbey Ga, S 311 Barker, Sarah Evans Ind, S 310 Chasanow, Deborah K. Maryland 310 Friot, Stephen P. Okla, W 310 Fuller, Mark E. Ala, M 310 Floyd, Henry Franklin S Car 309 Marsh, Malcolm Francis Oregon 309 Johnston, Thomas E. W Virg, S 308 Jones, John E., III Penn, M 307 Pechman, Marsha J. Wash, W 306 Williams, Alexander, Jr. Maryland 302 Thrash, Thomas W., Jr. Ga, N 301 Godbey, David C. Texas, N 300 Cogburn, Max Oliver, Jr. N Car, W 299 Gaughan, Patricia Anne Ohio, N 298 King, Garr M. Oregon 298 Karlton, Lawrence K. Cal, E 297 Sharpe, Gary L. N. Y., N 297 McMahon, Colleen N. Y., S 296 Honeywell, Charlene Vanessa Edwards Fla, M 295 Leighton, Ronald B. Wash, W 295 Coughenour, John C. Wash, W 294 Duffy, Patrick Michael S Car 294 Evans, Orinda Dale Ga, N 294 Smith, Rebecca Beach Virg, E 294 Conner, Christopher C. Penn, M 293 Legg, Benson Everett Maryland 292 Townes, Sandra L. N. Y., E 292 Davis, Michael James Minnesota 291 Rose, Thomas M. Ohio, S 291 Phillips, Virginia A. Cal, C 290 Barrett, Michael Ryan Ohio, S 289 Moon, Norman K. Virg, W 289 Stamp, Frederick Pfarr, Jr. W Virg, N 289 Russell, David Lynn Okla, W 288 Pratt, Tanya Walton Ind, S 287 Watson, Michael H. Ohio, S 287 Williams, Kathleen Mary Fla, S 287 Thompson, Myron Herbert Ala, M 286 Sargus, Edmund A., Jr. Ohio, S 285 Goldsmith, Mark Allan Mich, E 284 Lozano, Rodolfo Ind, N 284 Robart, James L. Wash, W 284 Murguia, Mary Helen Arizona 283 Coogler, L. Scott Ala, N 282 Hornby, David Brock Maine 281 Garaufis, Nicholas G. N. Y., E 280 Jensen, Delwen Lowell Cal, N 280 Lawson, Hugh Ga, M 280 Hicks, Larry R. Nevada 279 Pannell, Charles A., Jr. Ga, N 279 Doumar, Robert George Virg, E 278 Batten, Timothy C., Sr. Ga, N 277 Kornmann, Charles B. S Dakota 277 Boyle, Jane J. Texas, N 276 DeGiusti, Timothy D. Okla, W 276 Heaton, Joe L. Okla, W 276 Jackson, Brian Anthony La, M 276 Lindsay, Sam A. Texas, N 276 Pro, Philip Martin Nevada 276 Jordan, Adalberto Jose Fla, S 275 Blackburn, Sharon Lovelace Ala, N 274 Kinkeade, James E. Texas, N 273 Lemelle, Ivan L. R. Texas, W 273 Van Sickle, Frederick L. Wash, E 273 Dorr, Richard Everett Mo, W 272 Smith, Ortrie D. Mo, W 272 Donald, Bernice Bouie Tenn, W 271 DeGuilio, Jon Ernest Ind, N 270 Duffey, William S., Jr. Ga, N 270 Seabright, J[ohn] Michael Hawaii 270 Mills, Michael P. Miss, N 269 Simpson, Charles Ralph, III Ken, W 269 Fischer, Dale S. Cal, C 267 Magnus-Stinson, Jane Elizabeth Ind, S 265 Navarro, Gloria Maria Nevada 265 Frost, Gregory L. Ohio, S 264 Wilson, Samuel Grayson Virg, W 264 Laughrey, Nanette Kay Mo, W 263 Norton, David C. S Car 263 Martinez, Ricardo S. Wash, W 262 Gwin, James S. Ohio, N 261 Haik, Richard T., Sr La, W 261 Herlong, Henry Michael, Jr. S Car 261 Burgess, Timothy Mark Alaska 259 Hopkins, Virginia Emerson Ala, N 259 Downes, William F. Wyoming 258 Carnes, Julie E. Ga, N 257 Schiller, Berle M. Penn, E 257 Barbadoro, Paul J. New Hamp 256 Caldwell, William W. Penn, M 256 Carter, David O. Cal, C 256 Edmunds, Nancy Garlock Mich, E 256 Gerrard, John Melvin Nebraska 256 Singal, George Z. Maine 256 Bowdre, Karon O. Ala, N 255 Britt, William Earl N Car, E 255 Jones, Robert Edward Oregon 255 Ozerden, Halil Suleyman Miss, S 254 Burns, Ellen Bree Conn 253 Johnson, Inge Prytz Ala, N 253 Beistline, Ralph R. Alaska 251 Selna, James V. Cal, C 251 Childs, Julianna Michelle S Car 250 Simon, Philip P. Ind, N 249 Conti, Joy Flowers Penn, W 248 Kane, Yvette Penn, M 248 Miles-LaGrange, Vicki Okla, W 248 Webber, E. Richard Mo, E 248 Cauthron, Robin J. Okla, W 247 Werlein, Ewing, Jr. Texas, S 247 Smith, Charles Lynwood, Jr. Ala, N 246 Johnson, Sterling, Jr. N. Y., E 245 Mollway, Susan Oki Hawaii 245 Hall, Janet C. Conn 244 Mihm, Michael Martin Ill, C 244 Murtha, John Garvan Vermont 244 Cacheris, James Chris Virg, E 243 Conley, William Martin Wisc, W 243 Hamilton, Phyllis Jean Cal, N 243 Weinstein, Jack Bertrand N. Y., E 242 Holmes, Paul Kinloch, III Ark, W 241 Marbley, Algenon L. Ohio, S 241 Scullin, Frederick James, Jr. N. Y., N 241 Tydingco-Gatewood, Frances M. Guam 241 Dawson, Robert Toombs Ark, W 240 Marten, John Thomas N Mexico 240 Reagan, Michael Joseph N Mexico 240 Wilken, Claudia Ann Cal, N 240 McAuliffe, Steven J. New Hamp 239 Shadid, James Edward Ill, C 239 Blatt, Solomon, Jr. S Car 238 Kyle, Richard House Minnesota 238 Proctor, R. David Ala, N 238 Baylson, Michael M. Penn, E 237 Moody, James Tyne Ind, N 237 Wu, George H. Cal, C 237 Graham, James L. Ohio, S 235 McVerry, Terrence F. Penn, W 234 Rosen, Gerald Ellis Mich, E 234 Hunt, Roger L. Nevada 233 Smoak, John Richard, Jr. Fla, N 233 Berger, Irene Cornelia W Virg, S 232 Garcia, Edward J. Cal, E 232 Sharp, George Kendall Fla, M 232 Bredar, James Kelleher Maryland 231 Cercone, David S. Penn, W 231 Conrad, Glen Edward Virg, W 231 Cox, Sean Francis Mich, E 231 Rambo, Sylvia H. Penn, M 231 Daniels, George B. N. Y., S 229 Hansen, Curtis LeRoy N Mexico 229 Huck, Paul C. Fla, S 229 Kallon, Abdul Karim Ala, N 229 Kapala, Frederick J. Ill, N 229 Otero, S. James Cal, C 227 White, Jeffrey Steven Cal, N 227 Laplante, Joseph Normand New Hamp 226 Mueller, Kimberly Jo Cal, E 225 Seibel, Cathy N. Y., S 225 Block, Frederic N. Y., E 224 George, Lloyd D. Nevada 224 Hicks, S. Maurice, Jr. La, W 223 Stengel, Lawrence F. Penn, E 223 Cote, Denise L. N. Y., S 222 Christensen, Dana Lewis Montana 221 Hogan, Michael Robert Oregon 221 Ross, Allyne R. N. Y., E 221 Shubb, William B. Cal, E 221 Barnes, Harry F. Ark, W 219 Dlott, Susan J. Ohio, S 219 Hayden, Katharine Sweeney N. J. 219 Patterson, Robert Porter, Jr. N. Y., S 219 Forester, Karl Spillman Texas, W 218 Frank, Donovan W. Minnesota 218 Gold, Alan Stephen Fla, S 218 Cohill, Maurice Blanchard, Jr. Penn, W 217 Cohn, Avern Levin Mich, E 216 Diamond, Gustave Penn, W 216 Kosik, Edwin Michael Penn, M 216 Wells, Lesley Brooks Ohio, N 216 Carney, Cormac J. Cal, C 215 Ericksen, Joan N. Minnesota 215 Wilson, Stephen Victor Cal, C 215 Zouhary, Jack Ohio, N 215 Carr, James G. Ohio, N 214 Guilford, Andrew J. Cal, C 214 Korman, Edward Robert N. Y., E 214 Tarnow, Arthur J. Mich, E 214 Armstrong, Saundra Brown Cal, N 213 Chesler, Stanley R. N. J. 213 Gibson, Kim R. Penn, W 213 Klausner, Robert G. Cal, C 213 Smith, George Curtis Ohio, S 213 Bryan, Robert Jensen Wash, W 212 Cogan, Brian Mark N. Y., E 212 Longstaff, Ronald Earl Iowa, S 212 McDade, Joe Billy Ill, C 212 Castel, P. Kevin N. Y., S 211 Barksdale, Patricia D. Mo, E 210 Marrero, Victor N. Y., S 210 McLaughlin, Mary A. Penn, E 210 Morrow, Margaret M. Cal, C 210 Amon, Carol Bagley N. Y., E 209 Forester, Karl Spillman Ken, E 209 Roberts, Victoria A. Mich, E 209 Alsup, William Haskell Cal, N 208 Lungstrum, John Watson Kansas 208 Land, Clay D. Ga, M 207 Leinenweber, Harry Daniel Ill, N 207 Marshall, Denzil Price, Jr. Ark, E 207 Messitte, Peter Jo Maryland 207 Minaldi, Patricia Head La, W 205 Pauley, William H., III N. Y., S 205 Borman, Paul D. Mich, E 204 Dalton, Roy Bale, Jr. Fla, M 204 Hernandez, Marco Antonio Oregon 204 King, George H. Cal, C 203 Heyburn, John Gilpin, II Ken, W 202 Kennelly, Matthew F. Ill, N 202 Payne, James H. Okla, N 202 Van Bokkelen, Joseph S. Ind, N 202 Linares, Jose L. N. J. 201 Rice, Walter Herbert Ohio, S 201 Battani, Marianne O. Mich, E 200 Gleeson, John N. Y., E 200 Karas, Kenneth M. N. Y., S 200 McLaughlin, Sean J. Penn, W 200 O'Brien, Donald Eugene Iowa, N 200 Dalzell, Stewart R. Penn, E 199 Tucker, Petrese B. Penn, E 199 Adams, Henry Lee, Jr. Fla, M 198 Folsom, David Texas, E 198 Fowlkes, John Thomas, Jr. Tenn, W 198 Wigenton, Susan Davis N. J. 198 Starrett, Keith Miss, S 197 Buchwald, Naomi Reice N. Y., S 196 Martini, William J. N. J. 196 Peterson, Rosanna Malouf Wash, E 196 Pratter, Gene E.K. Penn, E 196 Pregerson, Dean D. Cal, C 196 Robreno, Eduardo C. Penn, E 196 Davis, Legrome D. Penn, E 195 Snyder, Christina A. Cal, C 195 Zagel, James Block Ill, N 195 Foote, Elizabeth Erny La, W 194 Matsumoto, Kiyo A. N. Y., E 194 Underhill, Stefan R. Conn 194 Diamond, Paul Steven Penn, E 193 Fischer, Nora Barry Penn, W 193 Friedman, Bernard A. Mich, E 193 Lawson, David M. Mich, E 193 Bryant, Vanessa Lynne Conn 192 O'Toole, George A., Jr. Mass 192 Schiltz, Patrick Joseph Minnesota 192 Walls, William H. N. J. 192 Breyer, Charles R. Cal, N 191 Caputo, A. Richard Penn, M 191 Kane, John L., Jr. Colorado 191 St. Eve, Amy J. Ill, N 191 Chatigny, Robert N. Conn 190 Thompson, Alvin W. Conn 190 Guirola, Louis, Jr. Miss, S 189 Real, Manuel Lawrence Cal, C 189 Arterton, Janet Bond Conn 188 Hood, Denise Page Mich, E 188 Montgomery, Ann D. Minnesota 188 O'Meara, John Corbett Mich, E 188 Schwab, Arthur J. Penn, W 188 Stagg, Thomas E., Jr. Texas, W 188 Tunheim, John R. Minnesota 188 Wright, Otis D., II Cal, C 187 Allen, Arenda Lauretta Wright Virg, E 185 Fogel, Jeremy D. Cal, N 185 Kobayashi, Leslie Emi Hawaii 185 Treadwell, Marc Thomas Ga, M 185 Africk, Lance M. La, E 184 Gorton, Nathaniel M. Mass 184 Savage, Timothy J. Penn, E 184 Scheindlin, Shira A. N. Y., S 184 Stein, Sidney H. N. Y., S 184 Collier, Lacey A. Fla, N 183 McKibben, Howard D. Nevada 183 Pearson, Benita Yalonda Ohio, N 183 Cavanaugh, Dennis M. N. J. 182 Doty, David Singleton Minnesota 182 Morgan, Henry Coke, Jr. Virg, E 182 Thapar, Amul Roger Texas, W 182 Urbanski, Michael Francis Virg, W 182 Gex, Walter J., III Miss, S 181 Stiehl, William Donald Ill, S 181 Sullivan, Richard Joseph N. Y., S 181 Bowen, Dudley Hollingsworth, Jr. Ga, S 180 Hollander, Ellen Lipton Maryland 180 Sanchez, Juan Ramon Penn, E 180 Wolfson, Freda L. N. J. 180 Ezra, David Alan Hawaii 179 Ezra, David Alan Texas, W 179 Ambrose, Donetta W. Penn, W 178 Gardner, James Knoll Penn, E 178 Martinez, William Joseph Colorado 178 Rufe, Cynthia M. Penn, E 178 Ware, James Cal, N 178 Glasser, Israel Leo N. Y., E 177 Rogers, Richard Dean Kansas 177 Swain, Laura Taylor N. Y., S 177 Damrell, Frank C., Jr. Cal, E 176 Sam, David Utah 176 Kiser, Jackson L. Virg, W 175 Tauro, Joseph Louis Mass 175 Drell, Dee D. La, W 174 Piersol, Lawrence L. S Dakota 174 Feuerstein, Sandra J. N. Y., E 173 Gutierrez, Philip S. Cal, C 173 Coffman, Jennifer B. Ken, E 172 Crotty, Paul Austin N. Y., S 172 Norgle, Charles Ronald, Sr. Ill, N 172 Simon, Michael Howard Oregon 172 Illston, Susan Yvonne Cal, N 171 Oliver, Solomon, Jr. Ohio, N 171 Vitaliano, Eric Nicholas N. Y., E 171 Feess, Gary Allen Cal, C 170 Jones, Barbara S. N. Y., S 170 Stearns, Richard Gaylore Mass 170 Wingate, Henry Travillion Miss, S 170 Cleland, Robert Hardy Mich, E 169 Dowd, David Dudley, Jr. Ohio, N 169 Kaplan, Lewis A. N. Y., S 168 Wimes, Brian Curtis Mo, W 168 Seybert, Joanna N. Y., E 167 Batts, Deborah A. N. Y., S 166 Gergel, Richard Mark S Car 166 Hickey, Susan Owens Ark, W 166 Black, Timothy Seymour Ohio, S 165 Hochberg, Faith S. N. J. 165 Melton, Howell Webster, Sr. Fla, M 165 Sheridan, Peter G. N. J. 164 Surrick, R[ichard] Barclay Penn, E 164 Anderson, Percy Cal, C 163 Gardephe, Paul G. N. Y., S 163 Berman, Richard M. N. Y., S 162 Dearie, Raymond Joseph N. Y., E 162 Pisano, Joel A. N. J. 162 Ponsor, Michael Adrian Mass 162 Saylor, F. Dennis, IV Mass 162 Thompson, Anne Elise N. J. 162 Bramlette, David C., III Miss, S 161 Goldberg, Mitchell S. Penn, E 161 Guzman, Ronald A. Ill, N 161 Robinson, Sue Lewis Delaware 161 Shelby, Robert James Utah 161 Beckwith, Sandra Shank Ohio, S 160 Pallmeyer, Rebecca R. Ill, N 160 Wilson, Billy Roy Ark, E 160 Der-Yeghiayan, Samuel Ill, N 159 Gibney, John Adrian, Jr. Virg, E 159 Jordan, Daniel Porter, III Miss, S 159 Slomsky, Joel Harvey Penn, E 158 Turk, James Clinton Virg, W 158 Wood, Kimba Maureen N. Y., S 158 Berrigan, Helen Ginger La, E 157 Gillmor, Helen W. Hawaii 157 Duval, Stanwood R., Jr. La, E 156 Fairbank, Valerie Baker Cal, C 156 Fallon, Eldon E. La, E 156 Woodlock, Douglas Preston Mass 156 Gomez, Curtis V. Virgin Is 155 Groh, Gina Marie W Virg, N 155 Joyner, J. Curtis Penn, E 154 McKinney, Larry J. Ind, S 154 Sleet, Gregory Moneta Delaware 154 Sullivan, Emmet G. D. C. 154 Wexler, Leonard D. N. Y., E 154 Kendall, Virginia Mary Ill, N 153 Lefkow, Joan Humphrey Ill, N 153 Hellerstein, Alvin K. N. Y., S 152 Wolf, Mark Lawrence Mass 152 Saris, Patti B. Mass 151 Economus, Peter C. Ohio, S 150 Feldman, Martin Leach-Cross La, E 150 Mickle, Stephan P. Fla, N 150 Whaley, Robert H. Wash, E 150 Jackson, Richard Brooke Colorado 149 Murphy, Stephen Joseph, III Mich, E 149 Payne, James H. Okla, E 149 DuBois, Jan Ely Penn, E 148 Kahn, Lawrence E. N. Y., N 148 Shanstrom, Jack D. Montana 148 Barbier, Carl J. La, E 147 Young, William G. Mass 147 Koh, Lucy Haeran Cal, N 145 Seeborg, Richard G. Cal, N 145 Steeh, George Caram, III Mich, E 145 Cain, Timothy Martin S Car 144 Engelhardt, Kurt D. La, E 144 Koeltl, John George N. Y., S 144 Gettleman, Robert William Ill, N 143 Lee, Tom Stewart Miss, S 143 Munley, James Martin Penn, M 143 Bloch, Alan Neil Penn, W 142 Kugler, Robert B. N. J. 142 Myerscough, Sue Ellen Ill, C 142 Zainey, Jay C. La, E 142 Zilly, Thomas Samuel Wash, W 142 Castillo, Ruben Ill, N 141 Keenan, John Fontaine N. Y., S 141 Spatt, Arthur Donald N. Y., E 141 Zobel, Rya Weickert Mass 141 Jones, C. Darnell, II Penn, E 140 Weber, Herman Jacob Ohio, S 140 Babcock, Lewis Thornton Colorado 139 Brimmer, Clarence Addison, Jr. Wyoming 138 Edgar, Robert Allan Mich, W 138 Walter, John F. Cal, C 138 Hillman, Noel Lawrence N. J. 137 Nixon, John Trice Tenn, M 137 O'Kelley, William Clark Ga, N 137 Walton, Reggie B. D. C. 137 Duggan, Patrick J. Mich, E 136 Simandle, Jerome B. N. J. 136 Gottschall, Joan B. Ill, N 135 Mills, Richard Henry Ill, C 135 Rose, Stephanie Marie Iowa, S 135 Bianco, Joseph Frank N. Y., E 134 Cook, Julian Abele, Jr. Mich, E 134 Darrah, John W. Ill, N 134 Gee, Dolly Maizie Cal, C 134 Hodges, William Terrell Fla, M 134 Jones, Steve CarMichael Ga, N 134 Shaw, Charles Alexander Mo, E 134 McConnell, John James, Jr. R. I. 133 Hancock, James Hughes Ala, N 132 Lemelle, Ivan L. R. La, E 132 Quackenbush, Justin Lowe Wash, E 132 Reed, Edward Cornelius, Jr. Nevada 132 Bumb, Renee Marie N. J. 131 Dow, Robert Michael, Jr. Ill, N 131 Bucklo, Elaine E. Ill, N 129 Griesa, Thomas Poole N. Y., S 129 McNamee, Stephen M. Arizona 129 Pepper, W. Allen, Jr. Miss, N 129 Murphy, Harold Lloyd Ga, N 128 Phillips, Mary Elizabeth Mo, W 128 Hurley, Denis Reagan N. Y., E 127 Bartle, Harvey, III Penn, E 126 Collyer, Rosemary M. D. C. 126 Vining, Robert L., Jr. Ga, N 126 Irenas, Joseph Eron N. J. 125 Lemmon, Mary Ann Vial La, E 125 Gertner, Nancy Mass 124 James, Robert Gillespie La, W 124 Manning, Blanche M. Ill, N 124 Huvelle, Ellen Segal D. C. 123 Mauskopf, Roslynn Renee N. Y., E 123 Rakoff, Jed Saul N. Y., S 123 Shadur, Milton Irving Ill, N 123 Matz, A. Howard Cal, C 122 Totenberg, Amy Mil Ga, N 122 Diclerico, Joseph A., Jr. New Hamp 121 Brody, Anita Blumstein Penn, E 119 Nowlin, James Robertson Texas, W 119 Vance, Sarah S. La, E 119 Conaboy, Richard Paul Penn, M 118 Friedman, Jerome B. Virg, E 118 Rodriguez, Joseph H. N. J. 118 Lancaster, Gary L. Penn, W 117 Cooper, Mary Little N. J. 116 Kollar-Kotelly, Colleen D. C. 115 Butler, Charles Randolph, Jr. Ala, S 114 Bates, John D. D. C. 112 Brown, Wesley Ernest Kansas 112 Eginton, Warren William Conn 112 Holwell, Richard J. N. Y., S 112 Forrester, J. Owen Ga, N 111 Sharp, Kevin Hunter Tenn, M 111 Tyson, Ralph E. La, M 111 Vinson, Clyde Roger Fla, N 111 Whyte, Ronald M. Cal, N 111 Holland, H[ezekiah] Russel Alaska 110 Nickerson, William M. Maryland 110 Lamberth, Royce C. D. C. 109 Preska, Loretta A. N. Y., S 109 Chesney, Maxine M. Cal, N 108 Padova, John R. Penn, E 108 Stagg, Thomas E., Jr. La, W 107 Stark, Leonard Philip Delaware 107 Nelson, Susan Richard Minnesota 105 Roberts, Richard W. D. C. 104 Sweet, Robert Workman N. Y., S 104 Reeves, Carlton Wayne Miss, S 103 Wright, Scott Olin Mo, W 103 Davila, Edward John Cal, N 101 Magnuson, Paul Arthur Minnesota 101 Albritton, William Harold, III Ala, M 100 Tucker, Josephine Staton Cal, C 100 Soto, James Alan Arizona 99 Leon, Richard J. D. C. 98 Schlesinger, Harvey Erwin Fla, M 98 Faber, David A. W Virg, S 97 Walter, Donald Ellsworth La, W 97 Friedman, Paul L. D. C. 96 Brown, Garrett E., Jr. N. J. 94 Gershon, Nina N. Y., E 94 Reinhard, Philip Godfrey Ill, N 94 Rosenbaum, Robin S. Fla, S 94 Walker, Mark Eaton Fla, N 94 Kravitz, Mark R. Conn 93 Redden, James Anthony Oregon 92 Droney, Christopher Fitzgerald Conn 90 Gleason, Sharon Louise Alaska 90 Coffman, Jennifer B. Ken, W 89 Crow, Sam A. Kansas 89 Andrews, Richard Gibson Delaware 88 Du, Miranda Mai Nevada 88 Dawson, Robert Toombs Texas, W 86 Doherty, Rebecca F. La, W 86 Williams, Richard Leroy Virg, E 86 Cecchi, Claire Claudia N. J. 85 Hunt, Willis B., Jr. Ga, N 85 Marquez, Rosemary Arizona 85 Polozola, Frank Joseph La, M 85 Debevoise, Dickinson Richards N. J. 84 Salas, Esther N. J. 83 Darrow, Sara Lynn Ill, C 82 Torresen, Nancy Maine 82 Carroll, Earl Hamblin Arizona 80 Freudenthal, Nancy Dell N Mexico 80 Gilstrap, James Rodney Texas, E 80 Lewis, Mary Geiger S Car 80 Quist, Gordon Jay Mich, W 80 Rogers, Yvonne Gonzalez Cal, N 80 Zatkoff, Lawrence Paul Mich, E 79 Conmy, Patrick Anthony N Dakota 77 Kennedy, Henry Harold, Jr. D. C. 77 Kocoras, Charles Petros Ill, N 77 Garbis, Marvin J. Maryland 76 Gordon, Andrew Patrick Nevada 76 Barbour, William Henry, Jr. Miss, S 75 Russell, George Levi, III Maryland 75 Briccetti, Vincent Louis N. Y., S 74 Covello, Alfred V. Conn 74 D'Agostino, Mae Avila N. Y., N 74 Baker, Kristine Gerhard Ark, E 73 Engelmayer, Paul Adam N. Y., S 73 Lew, Ronald S. W. Arizona 73 Motz, J. Frederick N Mexico 73 Patel, Marilyn Hall Cal, N 73 Scott, Jeanne E. Ill, C 73 Spiegel, S. Arthur Ohio, S 72 Stohr, Donald J. Mo, E 72 Dowdell, John Edward Okla, N 71 Shapiro, Norma Levy Penn, E 71 Houck, C[harles] Weston S Car 70 Sedwick, John W. Alaska 70 Biggers, Neal Brooks, Jr. Miss, N 69 Eisele, Garnett Thomas Ark, E 69 Feinerman, Gary Scott Ill, N 69 Rice, Thomas Owen Wash, E 69 Grady, John Francis Ill, N 68 Head, Hayden Wilson, Jr. Texas, W 68 Helmick, Jeffrey James Ohio, N 68 Hibbler, William J. Ill, N 68 Perry, Matthew James, Jr. S Car 68 Katz, David A. Ohio, N 66 Lindberg, George Wakem Ill, N 66 Casper, Denise Jefferson Mass 65 Forrest, Katherine Bolan N. Y., S 65 Baer, Harold, Jr. N. Y., S 64 Chen, Edward Milton Cal, N 64 Dorsey, Peter Collins Conn 64 Bissoon, Cathy Penn, W 63 Chappell, Sheri Polster Fla, M 63 Morris, Brian Matthew Montana 63 Davidson, Glen H. Miss, N 62 Lee, William Charles Ind, N 62 Nguyen, Jacqueline Hong-Ngoc Cal, C 62 Kelly, Robert F. Penn, E 60 Bennett, Mark W. Arizona 59 Boasberg, James Emanuel D. C. 59 Coar, David H. Ill, N 59 Costa, Gregg Jeffrey Texas, S 59 McDade, Joe Billy N Mexico 59 O'Malley, Kathleen McDonald Ohio, N 59 Hudspeth, Harry Lee Texas, W 58 Kronstadt, John Arnold Cal, C 58 Andersen, Wayne R. Ill, N 57 Dorsey, Jennifer Anna Nevada 57 Coleman, Sharon Johnson Ill, N 55 Howell, Beryl Alaine D. C. 55 Lovell, Charles C. Montana 55 Yohn, William Hendricks, Jr. Penn, E 55 Jackson, Amy Berman D. C. 54 Carr, James G. Arizona 53 Economus, Peter C. Ohio, N 53 Geraci, Frank Paul, Jr. N. Y., W 52 Brooks, Timothy Lloyd Ark, W 51 Watters, Susan Pamela Montana 51 Castagna, William John Fla, M 50 When you look across the rest of the federal districts in the nation, such high numbers of defendants sentenced by these judges are uncommon. Typically judges sentenced several hundred, not several thousand defendants over this five year time span.
To determine the judge-by-judge variations in the number of their sentences TRAC began by examining the records of all of the cases in the United States that reached this final stage during the five years from fiscal year 2010 to 2014. Also examined was case-by-case information obtained from the Justice Department's Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys under the Freedom of Information Act.
A critical factor that partly explains Judge Brack's ranking is that he has served in a judicial district court that for many years has been in the top five when it comes to the criminal enforcement of the immigration laws by the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. But the district courts in Arizona and in the Southern District of Texas have each sentenced five times the number of defendants during this same period than has the New Mexico district court.
The records of New Mexico's federal court show there are other causes that have contributed to Judge Brack's ranking position in sentencing counts. Once criminal cases reach a given federal district court, the administrators there are responsible assigning them to the judges in a fair and even-handed way. But partly because of vast size of New Mexico, and partly due to the varying number of cases sent to the courts in different part of the state by the federal enforcement agencies depending on their location, the equalization of the caseloads is a serious challenge. Thus the huge number of immigration cases coming to Judge Brack's court, located in Las Cruces, may not be surprising.
Judges with the Largest Number of Convictions for Other Case Types
For various reasons Judge Brack stands out when it comes to immigration conviction counts. But when the sentencing records of individual judges are examined by different broad categories of the cases that are dealt with by the courts — weapons, drugs, white collar crime — a more complex geographic picture emerges because of the natural variety of federal crimes in different regions.
Table 2 highlights the judge or judges who have sentenced the most individuals in different types of offense categories. For drug matters alone, the judge with the largest number of sentences — 2,304 of them — is Robert A. Junell of the Western District of Texas, with his court in Midland.
Looking at weapons cases in the last five year there was a tie in the Eastern District of North Carolina, with Judge Terrance W. Boyle and Judge Louise Flanagan both being credited with 224 individuals sentenced. (The major city in the eastern district is Raleigh.)
The judge sentencing the largest number of white-collar offenders (356) was Judge Juan M. Perez-Gimenez in Puerto Rico. Judge Walter S. Smith, Jr. in the Western District of Texas sentenced the highest number (95) of government regulatory offenders. While Judge Sandra L. Townes who serves in the Eastern District of New York sentenced the largest number (64) involved in organized crime.
Judge Roberto A. Lange in South Dakota made the list for sentencing the most in "other" crime categories, handling a large number of assault cases by or against native Americans.
Table 2. Caseload by Type of Crime
Which Federal Judge Has Sentenced the Largest Number of Defendants?
Case Type Judge with Most Cases District Individuals Sentenced Civil Rights Berry A. Edenfield Georgia South 18 Environment Jose E. Martinez Florida South 21 Government Regulatory Walter S. Smith Jr. Texas West 95 Immigration Robert C. Brack New Mexico 5,920 Narcotics/Drugs Robert A. Junell Texas West 2,304 Security/Terrorism Susan R. Bolton Arizona 16 Official Corruption Sara E. Liori Ohio North 37 Organized Crime Sandra L. Townes New York East 64 Weapons Terrence W. Boyle N. Carolina East 224 Weapons Louise Flanagan N. Carolina East 224 White Collar Juan M. Perez-Gimenez Puerto Rico 356 Other Roberto A. Lange S. Dakota 500 In addition to the criminal tool on which the numbers in this TRAC Report are based, the Judge Information Center includes tools that allow users to examine the caseloads of the district court judges on civil matters, as well as asylum denial rates for administrative Immigration Court judges.
TRAC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research center at the Whitman School of Management and Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.