The US Attorney’s Office in Alaska has demoted Karen Vandergaw, a senior federal prosecutor, closely linked to a scandal involving former US Judge Joshua Kindred. Employees in the Anchorage office were informed of Vandergaw’s removal from her elevated advisory position, although no explanation was provided. This internal shake-up follows the Ninth Circuit judicial council’s findings that Kindred engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a former law clerk and misled investigators about it. The judge resigned on July 8.
Documents from the investigation reveal that Kindred exchanged nude photographs and text messages with Vandergaw, who served in the U.S. Attorney’s office in the same building. The published findings showed that Kindred had a flirtatious rapport with Vandergaw, which raised concerns about conflicts of interest in cases she was handling between November 2022 and March 2024.
This demotion comes amid increased scrutiny from Alaska’s federal public defender’s office, which is now reviewing Kindred’s past cases for potential conflicts of interest. Jamie McGrady, the state’s chief federal defender, expressed concerns over cases where potential conflicts might have affected sentences or convictions. Former top federal defender Rich Curtner emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating these issues to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
Additional details suggest that Vandergaw had applied for a U.S. district court vacancy last year and held a significant role in the Anchorage office. Despite her recent demotion, Vandergaw’s past applications and judicial aspirations highlight her long-standing commitment to serving in Alaska’s legal sphere. In her letter to the Alaska Bar Association, Vandergaw underscored her dedication to serving the state from the bench, showcasing her extensive experience in high-profile cases.
The Ninth Circuit’s report, available here, also revealed that Kindred did not take any steps to report his improper interactions with the attorneys appearing before him, exacerbating concerns about judicial impartiality. As investigations continue, the legal community is left grappling with the implications of these revelations on the judicial process and the potential for compromised legal proceedings in Alaska.