Two Republican congressmen from Georgia have introduced impeachment resolutions against U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross, following an investigation into her conduct. The resolutions, filed by Reps. Clay Fuller and Andrew Clyde, allege Ross engaged in sexual activity with a high-ranking Atlanta police officer in her chambers, attended a partisan political event, and lied to investigators during the misconduct probe.
Ross, who was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2014 and confirmed by the Senate, received a private reprimand after the investigation confirmed the allegations. The House Judiciary Committee will now decide whether to proceed with impeachment proceedings. Federal judges are appointed for life and can only be removed through impeachment.
The investigation began after a law clerk reported multiple instances of Ross engaging in sexual activity with the officer within earshot of staff. Additional allegations included improper supervision of clerks and yelling at staff. Ross initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the conduct. The court’s investigation did not publicly identify the officer or the specific court location within the 11th Circuit’s jurisdiction, which includes Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Ross’s office declined to comment on the impeachment resolutions. The judge has a background as a state and federal prosecutor before her judicial appointments.