“A Judge Should Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All Activities”



The Curious Behavior of Judge Helen "Ginger" Berrigan
 

International Marketing Group (IMG) is a financial services company headquartered in Makati City, Philippines, that caters to middle-income individuals and offers rewards of financial independence in exchange for becoming an "associate," then learning how to recruit other associates, and ultimately progressing to the position of "Senior Marketing Director."  IMG's business model appears to have the characteristics of a pyramid scheme.1

In 2012, IMG representatives held a conference in New Orleans and staged a Mardi-Gras themed party at which Judge Berrigan was the guest of honor.2  Videos of the affair show Judge Berrigan tossing Mardi-Gras beads to the attendees and generally enjoying herself with her new Filipino friends.3  Her camaraderie with IMG's representatives lends a stamp of legitimacy to an organization whose motivation and tactics are questionable.  The tacit endorsement was exploitative of her position as a federal judge.



Judge Berrigan at IMG Event Judge Berrigan at a 2012 event hosted by IMG in New Orleans.

Left frame: Judge Berrigan prepares to toss Mardi-Gras beads to IMG delegates (Right frame).

Source: YouTube.com.2



In 2016, Judge Berrigan, then 68, took senior status and subsequently retired from active service, freeing her seat for a nomination.4,5  The nature of her infirmity has not been made public.  In 2018, a confidential source cited an unconfirmed diagnosis of senility and mental instability, and a residency at St. Anna's at Lambeth House, New Orleans.










Source: YouTube.com.3  The video clip and images above are reproduced in accordance with the "fair use" provision of Title 17 U.S.C. § 107 for a non-profit educational purpose.


On May 16, 2019, Wendy Vitter was confirmed for the seat formerly held by Judge Berrigan as Judge of the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Vitter's nomination had received the assistance of her husband, former senator David Vitter (R-LA), who was now a lobbyist with influence over Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).




References
  1. International Marketing Group, "About Us: Everything you need to know about IMG," http://www.img-corp.com/about-us.php, accessed 12/24/2016 and 04/16/2018.

  2. IMG 0135, September 5, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfUr3a41vYs, accessed 12/24/2016.

  3. IMG 0140, September 5, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaioLP3IPRc, accessed 12/24/2016.

  4. John Simerman, "'Senior status' for Judge Helen 'Ginger' Berrigan opens second seat on federal bench in New Orleans," TheAdvocate.Com, New Orleans, September 9, 2016.

  5. James Gill, "A fat retirement plan for federal judges," The Advocate, Baton Rouge, September 15, 2016.




IMPEACHABLE OFFENSES

THE LOCAL PRESS RESPONDS

FIXING THE JUDICIARY

JUDICIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL


CENSURE JUDGE BERRIGAN

RULES FOR IMPEACHING A JUDGE

PETITIONING CONGRESS

MYTH OF JUDICIAL IMPARTIALITY