Impeachment Resolutions Filed Against Federal Judge Eleanor Ross

Two Republican congressmen from Georgia, U.S. Reps. Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde, have introduced impeachment resolutions against U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross. This move follows findings from an investigation into her conduct. Clyde expressed on social media his belief that Judge Ross’s actions, including having sex with a police officer in her chambers, attending a partisan political event, and deceiving investigators, prove her unfit for her judicial role.

The resolutions now await action from the House Judiciary Committee, responsible for deciding whether to pursue impeachment proceedings. Federal judges, with life-long appointments, can be removed only through impeachment. When contacted, Judge Ross declined to comment on the matter.

Judge Ross was appointed to the Northern District of Georgia by former President Barack Obama in January 2014 and confirmed later that year by the Senate. Her prior experience includes service as a state court judge in DeKalb County since 2011 and over a decade as a state and federal prosecutor in Atlanta.

The investigation into Ross’s behavior began after a law clerk reported incidents of sexual misconduct. The investigation confirmed these events, including attendance at a partisan event and initially lying about the allegations. Ross received a ‘private reprimand’ following these findings.

Additionally, the Atlanta Police Department launched its investigation to identify whether the law enforcement officer involved is one of its members. This follows the discovery of frequent visits by a uniformed officer to Ross’s chambers, often leading to speculation about inappropriate conduct.

William Pryor, the chief judge of the 11th Circuit, initiated the investigation following allegations. Judge Ross responded promptly, denying all accusations. However, a special committee was formed to dig deeper into the claims. Their report confirmed the presence of a police officer within her chambers and other questionable behaviors.

Further details from clerks indicated an uncomfortable working environment, though the committee found no evidence of abusive behavior. Judge Ross admitted to the extramarital affair but denied allegations of staff mistreatment. She also clarified her attendance at a social gathering related to her past employment.