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Jessica OBrien

Former Circuit Court Judge

Jessica Arong O'Brien was a Cook County Circuit Court Judge, elected in 2012, and the first Filipino American judge elected in the county.15 She was later convicted of mail and bank fraud and sentenced to a year and a day of incarceration.4

Background and Education::

  • O'Brien immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines when she was 16 years old.6
  • She has degrees in culinary arts and restaurant management.6
  • In 1998, she graduated from the John Marshall Law School.6

Career::

  • Prior to being elected as a judge, O'Brien worked as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the Illinois Department of Revenue, litigating income and sales tax cases.12
  • She owned a real estate company and worked part-time as a loan officer at Amronbanc Mortgage Corporation.1
  • O'Brien was the first Asian elected president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and co-founded a foundation that awards scholarships to law students from diverse backgrounds.6

Legal Issues::

  • In 2017, O'Brien was indicted on federal charges of bank fraud and mail fraud for allegedly deceiving lenders to obtain inflated loans to buy properties.1 The transactions in question occurred between 2004 and 2007.1
  • O'Brien was found guilty of both counts of fraud for scamming several lenders through the purchase of two South Side properties.3
  • Following her conviction, O'Brien was initially reassigned to administrative duties.16
  • She resigned from the bench effective September 4, after her posttrial motions were denied.56
  • In 2018, the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board filed a complaint against O'Brien, seeking her removal.6
  • Illinois’ attorney regulator recommended disbarment for O’Brien.6

Related Questions

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How did Judge Jessica O'Brien's fraud scheme work?
What are the potential consequences for Judge Jessica O'Brien?
How did Judge Jessica O'Brien's role as a judge impact the case against her?
What was the public reaction to Judge Jessica O'Brien's indictment?
Jessica OBrien
Jessica OBrien, photo 1
Jessica OBrien, photo 2
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Location

Chicago, Illinois