A federal judge, who said he was initially skeptical about a Jamaica-born felon’s “predictable and unimpressive” appeal to avoid deportation, has reconsidered his position and dismissed an indictment against the man for illegally reentering the United States.

After hearing testimony about Shanado Phillips’ life, Eastern District Judge Raymond Dearie concluded that “unusual and outstanding equities weighing in his favor” required dismissal of the indictment.