One of the nation’s prominent federal narcotics prosecutors allegedly violated ethics regulations when he reportedly provided his business card to Florida authorities following a hit-and-run incident while intoxicated, as per findings from a Justice Department oversight body. The incident occurred last year, coming to light after The Associated Press released body-camera footage of the Fourth of July crash involving Joseph Ruddy, who was accused of causing the collision, fleeing the scene, and attempting to use his influence as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa to mitigate the consequences.
In the footage, Ruddy appeared disoriented, struggling to maintain his balance, slurring his speech, and leaning on his vehicle for support. Nonetheless, he reportedly handed over his Justice Department identification to officers from different jurisdictions who responded to the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General released a summary without naming Ruddy, substantiating claims that an assistant U.S. attorney misused his position by offering his work credentials unsolicited. The report also indicated that the attorney engaged in actions detrimental to the government by driving under the influence and leaving the crash scene after colliding with another vehicle.
Following inquiries by the AP regarding Ruddy’s status, he was removed from certain cases, but the Justice Department confirmed his continued role as an assistant U.S. attorney. The department emphasized holding all personnel to high standards of conduct and vowed to address any misconduct seriously and appropriately. Ruddy is recognized for his involvement in Operation Panama Express (PANEX), a program initiated in 2000 to combat cocaine smuggling at sea, which resulted in substantial drug interdictions and detentions of suspected smugglers by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Despite the allegations and testimony, Ruddy was not charged with hit-and-run by state prosecutors and had his driving under the influence charges dismissed. Instead, he pleaded no contest to reckless driving and received probation. The incident involved Ruddy allegedly sideswiping another vehicle without stopping, leading witnesses to alert authorities of his erratic driving behavior.
Upon police arrival at Ruddy’s residence, they discovered him struggling to stand, failing sobriety tests, and exhibiting signs of intoxication. Ruddy admitted to the hit-and-run but claimed he did not comprehend the severity of the situation due to his inebriation. The outcome of the case raised questions about the handling of the incident and the perceived leniency towards Ruddy, despite the serious nature of the accusations.
