Federal Judge Lies About Extramarital Affair in Chambers, Gets Caught But Receives Private Reprimand

A federal judge will remain on the bench after receiving a “private reprimand” for having an extramarital affair with a high-ranking police officer, court records show.

According to investigators, the judge was caught having s-- with the officer in judicial chambers during business hours. Staff members told investigators they could hear the s--ual activity. The judge initially denied the relationship, calling the claims “outrageous,” before eventually admitting to the affair.

The Judicial Conference of the United States confirmed the private reprimand last week. The 11th Judicial Circuit, which covers Alabama, Florida and Georgia, handled the initial inquiry. Meanwhile, the officer involved in the case has been identified as Kelley Collier, deputy chief of the Atlanta Police Department. The federal judge involved in the case was identified as Eleanor Ross, although details had previously been kept private.

Federal judges are appointed to life terms and can only be removed through impeachment by Congress.

The probe began after a law clerk reported the behavior. Later, Chief Judge William Pryor requested an explanation, to which the accused judge initially denied the claims and alleged that the clerk was acting out of retaliation.

However, security logs and footage showed Kelley Collier, a high-ranking official in the Atlanta Police Department, frequently visiting the chambers at lunchtime. Three clerks reported hearing voices coming from the chambers. Clerks also noted a lack of guidance, stating the judge rarely edited their draft orders.

The investigation also revealed that Ross attended a partisan political event in support of a district attorney friend. The judge later admitted to the affair and attending the political gathering but denied abusing staff.

To resolve the matter, the judge agreed to write apology letters to six former clerks. The judge also agreed to forgo future promotions to chief judge and will not serve on judicial committees.

The committee chose a private reprimand because the judge withdrew the false statements and has an otherwise exemplary record.

“Although the special committee is deeply troubled by the conduct in which the judge engaged, the Subject Judge has demonstrated a strong propensity for rehabilitation and continued diligent service to the judiciary,” the committee’s report states.

Legal experts questioned the light penalty. Lester Tate, a Georgia lawyer who defends judges in misconduct cases, called the punishment a “slap on the wrist.”

“I’m shocked that there was not a more severe punishment for the false statements that were made by this judge during the course of the investigation,” he said. He added that a judge appointed for life should face public accountability.