Federal Judge Eleanor Ross has apologized to a former law clerk for “harmful, offensive, and unprofessional behavior.” This apology follows accusations that Ross engaged in sexual activity with a high-ranking police officer during office hours, close to staff, in her Georgia office. The incident has prompted two Georgia House Republicans to file articles of impeachment against her.
Ross sent a letter last week addressing the former clerk, acknowledging her “patently wrong” actions and expressing regret for not taking full accountability previously. She also apologized for a false accusation she made against the clerk.
“You deserved better than to have your experience marred by my own offensive conflict,” Ross wrote.
Ross was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2014 and confirmed by the Senate later that year. An investigation revealed she had a sexual relationship with a police officer in her chambers, leading to her discipline. This incident spurred Representatives Andrew Clyde and Clay Fuller to file impeachment resolutions.
Congress has the authority to impeach judges if they engage in misconduct or political activism. Clyde stated that Ross’ actions show a lack of integrity and impartiality. Fuller added that such behavior violates judicial ethics and undermines public trust in the judiciary.
The accusations against Ross include inappropriate sexual conduct with Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Kelley Collier. Articles of impeachment claim the affair happened from October 2023 to October 2025 and that workplace sounds made staff uncomfortable.
Ross also was accused of attending a partisan political event and providing false statements during an investigation led by 11th U.S. Circuit Chief Judge William Pryor. The investigation found Ross attended a political event and initially lied during inquiries.
As punishment, Ross received a private reprimand and agreed not to seek the chief judge position when eligible. She wrote apology letters to six former clerks for her misconduct.
Clyde filed three impeachment articles citing Ross for illicit sexual activity, political event attendance, and obstruction of investigations. Fuller’s separate article emphasized inappropriate relations within her chambers while presiding over cases.
The impeachment resolutions allege Ross misled interns and staff about her attendance at a campaign event and denied sexual misconduct internally. Evidence later revealed frequent visits by an officer in uniform to Ross’ chambers, and noises heard by clerks suggested sexual activity.
The House Judiciary Committee will determine whether to start impeachment proceedings. If impeachment occurs, the Senate will decide on her removal. Ross expressed hope for reconciliation with a heartfelt apology letter to the former clerk.
The Associated Press provided additional information for this article.