On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, America First Legal (AFL) filed a formal judicial complaint against Rhode Island Federal Judge John McConnell, Jr., with Chief Judge David Barron of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The complaint requests an investigation into alleged conflicts of interest and violations of judicial ethics standards by Judge McConnell.

The complaint centers on Judge McConnell’s role in the case New York v. Trump, where 21 states and the District of Columbia challenged a temporary freeze on certain federal funding. In February 2025, Judge McConnell issued an order allowing continued federal funding to the states, including to Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization where he served as a board member for nearly two decades.

AFL’s complaint alleges that Judge McConnell’s long-term involvement with Crossroads Rhode Island creates a conflict of interest, as his judicial duties require impartiality and the avoidance of any appearance of bias. The group claims this connection violates several Canons of Judicial Conduct and may constitute a breach of his fiduciary responsibilities as a board member.

The complaint details specific concerns about Judge McConnell’s tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Crossroads Rhode Island. It alleges that under his oversight, the nonprofit purchased two properties from a sitting board member at prices significantly above market value. One of these transactions was reportedly not disclosed to the IRS. The properties and the board member involved are linked to two notable Rhode Island public corruption cases: the Governor Edward DiPrete bribery scandal and the Rhode Island Banking Crisis. These connections raise questions about Judge McConnell’s judgment during his time on the board.

Additionally, AFL’s complaint highlights Crossroads Rhode Island’s operations, noting that the nonprofit runs housing developments through for-profit subsidiaries. It claims that 99 percent of the profits from these ventures are allocated to undisclosed partners. The complaint also references reports from homeless individuals in Providence, who describe Crossroads Rhode Island’s facilities as plagued by drugs and violence, suggesting the organization failed to serve its vulnerable population effectively during Judge McConnell’s board tenure.

In March 2025, AFL publicly called for Judge McConnell’s recusal from the New York v. Trump case and announced its investigation into his conduct. The formal complaint filed on May 13 builds on those findings, urging the First Circuit to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to address the allegations and maintain public trust in the judicial system.

Andrew Block, AFL Senior Counsel, emphasized the need for an objective review of the allegations, stating that such an investigation is critical at a time when public confidence in the judiciary’s integrity and independence is waning.

 

 

Source: America First Legal