Northwest Georgia Congressman pushes for impeachment of federal judge for misconduct

ATLANTA — A north Georgia congressman is calling for the impeachment of an Atlanta federal judge after a judicial investigation found she engaged in on-the-job sexual misconduct and lied to investigators about it.

U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller, whose district covers much of northwest Georgia, joined fellow Georgia Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde in filing impeachment resolutions against U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross.

Clyde wrote on social media that Ross’ “deeply disturbing actions prove she is incapable of displaying integrity or impartiality. She must be impeached and removed from the bench.”

The resolutions come months after Ross was privately disciplined following an investigation into allegations involving a high-ranking police officer and workplace misconduct.

The investigation began after a law clerk reported that Ross had engaged in sexual activity with a uniformed police officer inside her chambers while staff members were nearby, according to findings released through the federal judiciary’s disciplinary process.

The investigation also looked into allegations that Ross improperly supervised clerks and mistreated staff.

A special committee appointed to investigate found evidence supporting claims that Ross had an extramarital sexual relationship with the officer, attended a partisan political event and initially denied the allegations when questioned by Chief Judge William Pryor of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ross later acknowledged the relationship, according to the committee’s findings.

The committee also reviewed security footage and visitor logs showing a police officer frequently visited the judge’s chambers during lunch hours.

Multiple law clerks reported seeing someone matching the officer’s description, and some told investigators they overheard what they believed was sexual activity.

The committee did not find evidence supporting allegations of abusive behavior toward staff, though clerks described what investigators called an “eggshell culture.”

Ross received a private reprimand as a result of the investigation.

A person who answered the phone in Ross’ chambers told The Associated Press the judge had no comment.

The House Judiciary Committee would decide whether to move forward with any impeachment proceedings.

Federal judges serve lifetime appointments and can only be removed through impeachment.

Ross was nominated to the federal bench in 2014 by then-President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate later that year.

Separately, the Atlanta Police Department has said it is investigating whether the officer identified in the judicial findings is one of its employees.

Depend on us to keep you posted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.