A northwest Georgia congressman is supporting an effort to impeach a federal judge after a judicial investigation concluded she engaged in workplace sexual misconduct and was not truthful with investigators during the inquiry.
U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller joined fellow Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde in filing resolutions seeking the impeachment of U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross.
The impeachment resolutions were introduced several months after Ross received a private reprimand through the federal judiciary’s disciplinary process following an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving a law enforcement officer.
The inquiry began after a law clerk reported that Ross had engaged in sexual activity with a uniformed police officer inside her judicial chambers while court staff members were nearby. Investigators also examined allegations regarding Ross’ supervision of law clerks and treatment of employees.
A special committee appointed to review the allegations found evidence supporting claims that Ross maintained an extramarital relationship with the officer, attended a partisan political event, and initially denied the allegations when questioned by Chief Judge William Pryor.
According to the committee’s findings, Ross later acknowledged the relationship.
Investigators reviewed security footage and visitor logs that showed a police officer making frequent visits to Ross’ chambers during lunch hours. Multiple law clerks reported observing an individual matching the officer’s description, while others told investigators they overheard sounds they believed indicated sexual activity.
Although the committee found insufficient evidence to support allegations that Ross mistreated employees, investigators noted that some clerks described a workplace atmosphere they characterized as an “eggshell culture.”
As a result of the investigation, Ross received a private reprimand. A staff member answering the telephone in Ross’ chambers later indicated the judge had no comment regarding the matter.
Any effort to remove Ross from office would require action by the House Judiciary Committee, which would determine whether impeachment proceedings should move forward. Federal judges hold lifetime appointments and may only be removed through impeachment by Congress.
Ross was nominated to the federal bench in 2014 by former President Barack Obama and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate later that year.
Separately, the Atlanta Police Department has announced it is investigating whether the officer identified in the judicial findings is one of its employees.