Republicans Introduce Impeachment against Judge Ross
Two Republican members of Congress from Georgia have proposed impeachment resolutions aimed at a federal judge in Atlanta. U.S. Reps. Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde have taken this step against U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross. Clyde expressed on social media that Ross’s actions demonstrate an inability to maintain integrity or impartiality.
The jurisdiction for beginning impeachment proceedings lies with the House Judiciary Committee. Federal judges serve for life, and removal is only possible through impeachment. Judge Ross, who has not yet commented, was appointed by former President Obama and confirmed in November 2014. Her past roles include serving as a state court judge and as a prosecutor in both state and federal capacities.
The investigation started after a law clerk reported inappropriate conduct involving Judge Ross. The clerk alleged Ross engaged in sexual activities with a police officer in her office. Other allegations included improper supervision and unprofessional behavior towards staff. A private reprimand was issued following confirmation of misconduct.
The investigation did not name Judge Ross or specify her jurisdiction publicly, which spans Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. An anonymous source confirmed Ross’s identity in this matter. The Atlanta Police Department is examining whether the involved officer is part of their team.
The chief judge of the 11th Circuit, William Pryor, initiated the investigation. Ross denied the allegations initially but speculated that the complaint was retaliatory. A special committee was subsequently appointed to investigate further.
The committee found that a police officer regularly visited Ross’s chambers, with clerks witnessing these visits. Some clerks recounted hearing potential inappropriate activities. Additionally, clerks reported that Ross acknowledged missing lunch with interns due to overindulgence at a party. While some clerks described the work environment as tense, the committee found no evidence of abuse.
Ross admitted to an extramarital affair with the officer, yet she denied mistreatment accusations. She also clarified attending a non-partisan event separate from a political victory celebration.