Two Republican congressmen from Georgia have initiated impeachment efforts against a federal judge in Atlanta. U.S. Reps. Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde introduced resolutions targeting U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross. This move follows revelations from an investigation uncovering inappropriate conduct involving Judge Ross.
Clyde expressed concerns on social media, citing Ross’s behavior as compromising her ability to maintain integrity and impartiality. The responsibility to start impeachment proceedings rests with the House Judiciary Committee.
Lifetime appointments for federal judges mean that removal occurs only through impeachment. Ross has not commented publicly on the issue. She was appointed to the Northern District of Georgia by President Barack Obama in 2014, with prior experience as a state court judge and prosecutor in Atlanta.
The investigation began following allegations from her law clerk, reporting that Ross engaged in sexual activities with a high-ranking police officer in her chambers. The investigation confirmed these allegations and noted other concerns such as her attendance at a political event and initial dishonesty about her actions.
The disciplinary investigation provided a private reprimand but did not publicly identify Ross or the involved court. The Associated Press confirmed Ross’s identity through a source under confidentiality conditions.
The Atlanta Police Department is investigating the police officer involved to determine their affiliation. William Pryor, chief judge of the 11th Circuit, initiated the inquiry, responding to claims by asking Ross for a response. Ross denied all allegations, suggesting the law clerk may have fabricated them due to dissatisfaction.
Pryor commissioned a special committee to conduct a thorough investigation. This review utilized logs and security footage, unveiling frequent visits by the officer to the judge’s office during lunchtime. Six clerks witnessed an individual matching the officer’s description, with some overhearing suggestive sounds.
One notable incident involved Ross declining a lunch meeting after drinking too many martinis at a political party. Clerks also criticized her lack of guidance and minimal input on their drafted orders. Although the investigation did not confirm staff abuse, the judge admitted to a personal relationship with the officer, denying other staff-related allegations.