A federal judge in the US, who faced consequences for engaging in sexual activity with a police officer in her chambers and then denying it, has expressed remorse for her inappropriate and unprofessional conduct. The judge, Eleanor Ross, was investigated by the 11th Judicial Circuit, revealing her involvement with a high-ranking police officer in the courthouse and her initial denial of the allegations.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Ross admitted her actions were unequivocally wrong and offered apologies for tarnishing the experience of her former law clerk. Appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2014, Ross received a private reprimand and agreed not to seek the position of chief judge of the district as a result of the investigation.
The probe was initiated following a report from a law clerk detailing the sexual engagement in the judge’s chambers during work hours. The investigation also highlighted issues of staff supervision and inappropriate behavior towards employees. The disciplinary order attached to the report outlined the findings of a special committee appointed by Chief Judge William Pryor of the 11th Circuit.
The committee’s examination of logs and security footage confirmed the frequent visits of a uniformed officer to the judge’s chambers during lunchtime, with clerks witnessing potential sexual activity. While some clerks mentioned a lack of guidance from Ross, there was no evidence of abusive behavior in the workplace.
Despite denying mistreatment of staff, Ross admitted to the extramarital relationship with the officer and clarified her attendance at an event organized by a former district attorney. Two Georgia congressmen have filed impeachment resolutions against Ross, leaving the decision on impeachment proceedings to the House Judiciary Committee.
Federal judges hold lifelong appointments and can only be removed through congressional impeachment. Ross assured steps to prevent such incidents in the future and acknowledged the impact of her actions on others.