Georgia Lawmakers Seek Impeachment of Federal Judge Eleanor Ross

Two Republican congressmen from Georgia, Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde, have introduced resolutions to impeach U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross. This action follows investigations revealing that Judge Ross engaged in sexual activities with a police officer in her chambers, attended a partisan event, and initially misled investigators.

Clyde expressed on social media that Ross’s actions revealed a lack of integrity and impartiality, calling for her removal from the bench. The House Judiciary Committee holds the responsibility to determine the initiation of impeachment proceedings against federal judges, who are appointed for life and can only be removed through impeachment.

Contacted for comment, Judge Ross declined through a representative. Appointed to the Northern District of Georgia by President Barack Obama in 2014, Ross had previously held a position as a state court judge in DeKalb County. Her career includes over a decade as a state and federal prosecutor, primarily in Atlanta.

The investigation commenced after a law clerk reported instances of Ross participating in sexual activities with a high-ranking police officer within the judge’s office, audible to staff. Allegations also included lack of proper supervision and unprofessional conduct with staff. These claims were validated, leading to Ross receiving a private reprimand for her misconduct and misleading statements.

While the original inquiry did not disclose Ross’s identity or her precise jurisdiction within the 11th Circuit, the Associated Press confirmed her identity through an anonymous source. The Atlanta Police are also investigating to determine if the involved officer is part of their department.

The chief judge of the 11th Circuit, William Pryor, initiated the probe, which involved reviewing logs and security footage that confirmed the officer’s frequent visits. Clerks provided testimony about overhearing activities suggestive of the misconduct. Additionally, there were accounts of Ross being unavailable for work following personal engagements, such as attending a victory party.

While the clerks described a tense work environment, the investigation did not find evidence of abusive behavior. Ross admitted to the extramarital relationship but denied ill-treatment of her staff. She acknowledged attending a personal gathering but insisted it was separate from any political events.