Impeachment Resolutions Filed Against Federal Judge Eleanor Ross

Two Republican congressmen from Georgia, U.S. Reps. Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde, have filed impeachment resolutions against federal judge Eleanor Ross. This action follows reports of misconduct involving Ross in Atlanta.

Allegations and Investigations

The judge faced allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a police officer in her chambers. She also attended a partisan political event and initially lied to investigators regarding these actions. The investigation by the court resulted in a private reprimand for Ross.

U.S. Rep. Clyde publicly stated that Ross’s actions undermine her ability to uphold integrity and impartiality, rendering her unfit for the bench. The responsibility now falls on the House Judiciary Committee to consider starting impeachment proceedings. Federal judges hold lifetime appointments and can be removed solely through impeachment.

Background on Eleanor Ross

Nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2014, Ross serves in the Northern District of Georgia. Prior to her federal appointment, she was a state court judge in DeKalb County and had experience as a state and federal prosecutor.

Details of the Investigation

The inquiry into Ross began after a clerk reported her engagements with a uniformed police officer. Additionally, allegations surfaced regarding her supervision of clerks and inappropriate behavior toward staff. These claims led William Pryor, the chief judge of the 11th Circuit, to initiate an investigation.

The committee’s findings included security footage corroborating the presence of a police officer visiting Ross’s chambers. Clerks recalled hearing potential sexual activity emanating from her office.

The investigation detailed concerns about Ross’s conduct at a primary election victory party, where she mentioned consuming multiple martinis. Despite these incidents, the committee found no concrete evidence of staff abuse.

Reactions and Ongoing Inquiries

The Atlanta Police Department is conducting its investigation to identify the officer involved. Meanwhile, the judge has admitted to the extramarital relationship but denied mistreating staff. Ross attributed her attendance at the partisan event to working under a district attorney’s office capacity.

This situation has prompted calls for impeachment and continued examinations into judicial conduct and accountability.