Judge Ejects Rachael Rollins from Boston Courtroom

Former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins was escorted from a federal courtroom after her phone rang during witness testimony.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Judge Ejects Rachael Rollins from Boston Courtroom

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Should courts strictly enforce decorum rules for all attendees, including former public officials?

U.S. Chief District Judge Denise J. Casper ordered Rachael Rollins out of Courtroom 10 at the Moakley Federal Courthouse on October 28, 2026. The incident occurred when Rollins' mobile phone rang while forensic examiner Jessica Hyde was providing testimony.

Why it matters

The interruption caused a brief delay during the final witness testimony for federal prosecutors. Court security officers were required to escort the former U.S. Attorney from the room to restore order to the proceedings.

Rachael Rollins, who served a 16-month term as U.S. Attorney, was removed by security for violating courtroom decorum rules. The incident interrupted the testimony of the final witness for the federal prosecution.

The players

Rachael Rollins

She is a former U.S. Attorney who currently serves as the executive director of The Fort at Roxbury Community College.

Denise J. Casper

She is the U.S. Chief District Judge who presided over the proceedings at the Moakley Federal Courthouse.

Jessica Hyde

She served as the final witness for the federal prosecutors during the forensic examiner testimony.

The details

Judge Denise J. Casper presided over the proceedings in the Moakley Federal Courthouse when the disturbance occurred. The ringing device was identified as belonging to Rollins, who now works as an executive director at The Fort at Roxbury Community College.

January 2022: Rollins began her tenure as U.S. Attorney.
May 2023: Rollins resigned from her federal position.
October 28, 2026: Rollins was escorted from the courtroom.

Legal Context

This disruption follows the 2023 resignation of Rachael Rollins from the U.S. Attorney's office, a tenure that lasted 16 months. The event highlights the rigid standards of decorum maintained by federal judges in the district.

The incident caused a temporary disruption in a federal court case involving witness testimony. Residents attending public hearings at the Moakley Federal Courthouse are reminded that electronic devices must be silenced to avoid removal by security.

The takeaway

Maintaining strict courtroom decorum is essential for the integrity of federal witness testimony. Visitors to courthouses should ensure all electronic devices are fully powered down before entering the chamber.