A federal judge in the US, who faced disciplinary action for engaging in a sexual relationship with a police officer in her chambers and then denying it, has issued an apology for her inappropriate conduct. The investigation, initiated by the chief judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit, revealed that US District Judge Eleanor Ross participated in sexual activities with a high-ranking police officer at the courthouse, attended a political event, and initially refuted the accusations.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Ross expressed regret for her actions, stating that they were unequivocally wrong with no justification. She acknowledged the impact of her behavior on others, particularly a former law clerk, emphasizing that the clerk deserved better treatment.
Ross, appointed to the Northern District of Georgia bench in 2014 by former President Barack Obama, received a private reprimand following a confirmed investigation into the allegations. She also agreed not to pursue the position of chief judge and issued apologies to six former law clerks.
The investigation, led by Chief Judge William Pryor, was prompted by a report from one of Ross’s law clerks detailing the sexual relationship with the police officer and instances of unprofessional behavior towards staff. Despite initially denying the allegations, Ross later admitted to the extramarital affair with the officer but contested claims of mistreatment towards her staff.
The House Judiciary Committee is now tasked with considering impeachment resolutions filed against Ross by two Georgia congressmen this week. Federal judges hold lifetime appointments and can only be removed through congressional impeachment proceedings. Ross expressed remorse in her letter to the clerk and pledged to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
