Judge Joshua Kindred Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations: A Look into the Unclear Reasons Behind His Departure from the U.S. District Court for Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska United States of America
Kindred created a hostile work environment for law clerks, encouraging them to rate people based on their sexual desirability and belittling or ostracizing those who tried to discuss his inappropriate behavior.
Kindred was under investigation by the Judicial Council before his resignation.
The allegations were investigated by the Judicial Council and confirmed by the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit.
The New York Times reported that Kindred resigned following accusations of sexual harassment and lying under oath during an investigation.
Trump-appointed Judge Joshua Kindred of the US District Court for Alaska resigned on July 3, 2024, effective July 8.
Judge Joshua Kindred Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations: A Look into the Unclear Reasons Behind His Departure from the U.S. District Court for Alaska

Trump-appointed Judge Joshua Kindred of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska announced his resignation on July 3, 2024, effective July 8. The reason for his resignation remains unclear.

Kindred was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2019 and confirmed by the Senate in early 2020. Prior to his appointment as a judge, he worked as an attorney for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA). Kindred's departure leaves Alaska with only one full-time working U.S. District Court judge: Sharon Gleason.

According to various reports, Kindred was under investigation by the Judicial Council before his resignation. However, no official reason for the investigation has been disclosed.

The New York Times reported that Kindred resigned following accusations of sexual harassment. The allegations include exchanging text messages with a law clerk during her clerkship and engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with her after she had completed her term. Kindred denied the allegations during the investigation but later admitted to lying under oath.

The reports also suggest that Kindred created a hostile work environment for his law clerks, encouraging them to rate people based on their sexual desirability and belittling or ostracizing those who tried to discuss his inappropriate behavior. The allegations were investigated by the Judicial Council and confirmed by the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit.

Kindred's resignation comes amid growing concerns about misconduct within the federal judiciary. In recent years, several high-profile cases involving judges facing allegations of sexual harassment or other forms of misconduct have raised questions about accountability and transparency within the judicial system.

Despite these allegations, it is important to remember that all individuals are entitled to due process and a fair investigation. The facts surrounding Kindred's resignation should be thoroughly examined before any conclusions are drawn.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It is unclear if there were any other allegations against Kindred aside from sexual harassment.
  • The official reason for Kindred's investigation by the Judicial Council has not been disclosed.

Sources

78%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Trump-appointed judge in Alaska resigns over sexual misconduct

The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Tobi Raji Tuesday, 09 July 2024 00:49
  • Unique Points
    • Alaska-based federal judge Joshua M. Kindred resigned following an internal investigation that concluded he created a hostile work environment for his law clerks and engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of them.
    • “Judge Joshua M. Kindred” was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska in 2019 by President Donald Trump.
    • “Kindred encouraged his law clerks to rate people based on their sexual desirability and belittled or ostracized clerks who tried to talk to him about his inappropriate behavior.”
  • Accuracy
    • Kindred encouraged his law clerks to rate people based on their sexual desirability and belittled or ostracized clerks who tried to talk to him about his inappropriate behavior.
    • During the clerkship, Kindred met the clerk for drinks and took her back to his chambers where he kissed her.
    • Kindred lied about his misconduct during the investigation and was confronted under oath during a Judicial Council meeting.
  • Deception (0%)
    The article by Tobi Raji contains several examples of deception. Firstly, the author uses emotional manipulation by describing the sexual misconduct in a sensationalistic manner, focusing on the number of text messages exchanged and the power dynamic between Kindred and his former law clerk. Secondly, there is selective reporting as the article only reports details that support the author's position of Kindred's deception without mentioning any context or potential mitigating factors. Lastly, there is no disclosure of sources in the article.
    • The report details two separate sexual encounters in October 2022 between U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Kindred and the former law clerk shortly after she began working as a federal prosecutor.
    • Kindred encouraged his law clerks to rate people based on their sexual desirability, the report said, and belittled or ostracized clerks who tried to talk to him about his inappropriate behavior.
    • It says they exchanged nearly 300 pages of text messages over an 11-month period.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

39%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Federal Judge in Alaska Resigns Amid Accusations of Sexual Harassment

The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Mattathias Schwartz Tuesday, 09 July 2024 04:59
  • Unique Points
    • Joshua M. Kindred resigned on July 3, 2024.
    • Kindred was investigated for sexually harassing one of his law clerks.
    • During the clerkship, Kindred met the clerk for drinks and took her back to his chambers where he kissed her.
    • After the clerkship ended, Kindred performed oral sex on the clerk in a friend’s apartment.
    • Kindred lied about his misconduct during the investigation and was confronted under oath during a Judicial Council meeting.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (0%)
    The article by Mattathias Schwartz contains several examples of deception. Firstly, the author uses emotional manipulation by describing in detail the alleged sexual misconduct committed by Judge Kindred towards his law clerk. This is done to elicit an emotional response from readers and create a negative perception of the judge. Secondly, there is selective reporting as only details that support the author's position are reported, while other important context such as the investigation process and potential consequences for the clerk are omitted. Lastly, there is sensationalism in the title and body of the article which exaggerates the severity of Judge Kindred's actions.
    • When confronted by the committee, Mr. Kindred said that there had been no physical or sexual interactions with the clerk at any point.
    • During a second encounter, the report said, Mr. Kindred performed oral sex on the clerk in a friend’s apartment.
    • The judge, Joshua M. Kindred of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, submitted his letter of resignation on July 3 without explanation, saying only that it would take effect on Monday.
    • Investigators said that Mr. Kindred had been asked to leave his post after a committee of judges investigating the claims against him found his chambers to be a hostile and sexualized work environment.
  • Fallacies (0%)
    The author makes several assertions that can be considered fallacies: 1. Hasty Generalization: The author states that 'investigators found that he had been abusive to his law clerks' and 'his chambers were a hostile and sexualized work environment'. However, the article only provides evidence of one instance of alleged misconduct with one clerk. It is a hasty generalization to assume that this behavior was consistent across all law clerks. 2. False Dilemma: The author states that 'Mr. Kindred had sexually harassed one clerk' and later describes the specific instances of alleged misconduct with her. However, the article does not provide any evidence or information about any other possible explanations for Mr. Kindred's behavior towards his law clerks or why these instances constitute sexual harassment specifically. It creates a false dilemma by implying that there are only two possibilities: either Mr. Kindred is a sexual harasser, or he is not. 3. Appeal to Authority: The author states that 'The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit revealed in the report' and 'a committee of judges investigating the claims against him'. However, this does not necessarily mean that the information presented in the article is accurate or unbiased, as it is still being reported by a journalist and potentially subject to editorialization. 4. Ad Hominem: The author states that 'Mr. Kindred lied about his misconduct' and 'he deliberately lied to the special committee'. This attacks Mr. Kindred's character rather than addressing the substance of the allegations against him.
    • The judge, Joshua M. Kindred of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, submitted his letter of resignation on July 3 without explanation, saying only that it would take effect on Monday.
    • Investigators said that Mr. Kindred had been asked to leave his post after a committee of judges investigating the claims against him found his chambers to be a hostile and sexualized work environment.
    • Mr. Kindred told her to ‘keep your head down and shut up’, with an expletive.
  • Bias (0%)
    The author, Mattathias Schwartz, provides detailed descriptions of the judge's inappropriate behavior towards a law clerk. He quotes the clerk's statements about feeling powerless and being forced into sexual encounters with the judge. The author also states that the judge lied under oath about these incidents.
    • Mr. Kindred had sexually harassed one clerk, exchanging 278 pages of text messages with her, only a small fraction of which had to do with her official duties.
      • Only when asked under oath during the Judicial Council meeting of April 5, 2024, did he admit that he had deliberately lied to the special committee.
        • , she told investigators. Later, the clerk said, Mr. Kindred told her to ‘keep your head down and shut up’, with an expletive.
          • When confronted by the committee, Mr. Kindred said that there had been no physical or sexual interactions with the clerk at any point.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          97%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Trump-appointed judge in Alaska resigns after just 4 years

          Alaska Public Media Liz Ruskin, Saturday, 06 July 2024 00:37
          • Unique Points
            • Alaska U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred has announced his resignation.
            • Joshua Kindred was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2019 at the age of 41.
            • He had earlier worked as an assistant district attorney, supervising violent crime prosecutions.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (85%)
            The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy and a dichotomous depiction. It also has a slightly vague statement that could be interpreted as a false dilemma if read in certain way.
            • . . .He wasn’t the senators’ first choice.
            • Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in 2019, “I don’t think I’m divulging any great secrets: This administration has made it very clear they are looking for younger men and women to serve on the bench.”
            • Alaska is authorized to have three U.S. District Court judges but Kindred’s resignation leaves Alaska with just one working full-time: Sharon Gleason.
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          71%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          U.S. District Court Judge Josh Kindred's resignation raises some serious questions

          Alaska Landmine Jeff Landfield Tuesday, 09 July 2024 08:59
          • Unique Points
            • Kindred and his wife, Tali, filed for divorce on July 7, 2023.
            • Sources report that Kindred was under investigation by the Judicial Council before his resignation.
          • Accuracy
            • Kindred resigned on July 8, 2024.
            • Kindred was appointed by former President Trump in October 2019 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2020.
          • Deception (30%)
            The article contains selective reporting as the author only reports details that support his theory of a scandal involving Judge Kindred. He implies that there is an investigation into Kindred's resignation without providing any evidence or disclosing the source of this information. The author also makes assumptions about why certain cases were reassigned from Kindred and why Tara Lewis left her job in Alaska, but there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
            • I was unable to get anyone to talk on the record or provide any proof.
            • High level sources are reporting that U.S. District Judge for Alaska Josh Kindred is resigning.
            • Why were Karen Vandergaw and Seth Bricey-Smith’s cases reassigned from Kindred in late 2022? And why has Kindred been recused from their cases since?
          • Fallacies (75%)
            The article contains a few inflammatory rhetorical statements and appeals to authority without providing evidence to support the claims. There are also some generalizations made about the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska's office, implying impropriety without concrete examples.
            • Judge Kindred was appointed by former President Trump in 2019...
            • Early last summer I received a tip that Kindred had engaged in some kind of inappropriate relationship with a former clerk...
            • In 2017, Alex Kozinski, who served on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, resigned after an inquiry was opened into sexual harassment allegations against him...
            • Tara Lewis served as a judicial law clerk for the District of Alaska in Anchorage from June 2020 – September 2022, according to her LinkedIn. Then she worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska starting in September 2023...
            • Vandergaw and James Klugman, another assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Alaska, had an affair last year...
            • All of these facts beg some important questions:...
          • Bias (80%)
            The author makes several statements that could be perceived as implying wrongdoing or scandal without providing concrete evidence. For example, he mentions 'rumors for the last year about a scandal involving' and 'There are a lot of interesting facts.' However, he does not provide any proof or direct quotes from credible sources to support these claims. He also uses language that could be perceived as depicting those involved in a negative light, such as 'high level sources are reporting' and 'it's important for the public to know what they knew and if they ever used or tried to use the information to their advantage.'
            • It's important for the public to know what they knew and if they ever used or tried to use the information to their advantage.
              • There are a lot of interesting facts.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              88%

              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

              Trump-Appointed Alaska Judge Abruptly Resigns - Law360

              Law360 Tuesday, 09 July 2024 08:59
              • Unique Points
                • Judge Joshua Kindred of the District of Alaska resigned effective Monday.
                • He informed President Joe Biden of his resignation on Wednesday.
              • Accuracy
                • Joshua M. Kindred, a federal judge in Alaska, resigned on July 3, 2024.
              • Deception (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Fallacies (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Bias (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication