H.Res. 1351
Impeaching Eleanor Louise Ross, Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Sponsor: Andrew S. Clyde
22 cosponsors
- Andrew Ogles
- Andy Biggs
- Andy Harris
- Brian Babin
- Earl L. "Buddy" Carter
- Elijah Crane
- John H. Rutherford
- John R. Carter
- Josh Brecheen
- Keith Self
- Lauren Boebert
- Paul A. Gosar
- Scott Franklin
- Sheri Biggs
- Austin Scott
- Barry Loudermilk
- Brian Jack
- Mike Collins
- Richard McCormick
- Rick W. Allen
- Mary E. Miller
- Anna Paulina Luna
Official summary
No official summary yet.
Text of the bill
Incident to her position as a United States District Court Judge, Eleanor Louise Ross has engaged in conduct with respect to improper sexual activity in chambers with a law enforcement officer that is incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in her as a judge, as follows:
(1) For a period of roughly 2 years, from around October 2023 through October 2025, Judge Ross participated in an extramarital affair with high-ranking Atlanta Police Department officer, Kelley Collier.
(2) Mr. Collier was undoubtedly involved in numerous criminal and civil cases being litigated in the Northern District of Georgia.
(3) Judge Ross did not disclose the affair to any other judge, court staff member, or litigating party.
(4) The undisclosed affair created the possibility that Judge Ross would be assigned to handle a case in which Mr. Collier or his employing police department had an interest, thus creating or appearing to create a conflict of interest.
(5) Further, Judge Ross and Mr. Collier, while in Judge Ross’ chambers and during business hours, engaged in intimate contact, including, by admission of Judge Ross, sexual intercourse.
(6) At least 3 of Judge Ross’ former clerks heard sounds resulting from the intimate contact coming from Judge Ross’ chambers, thereby adversely affecting those staff members.
(7) Judge Ross’ conduct regarding the relationship demonstrated a gross lack of judgment and created an uncomfortable and troubling workplace for staff members.
(8) Moreover, the undisclosed affair left Judge Ross vulnerable to extortion, as the Officer's spouse and Judge Ross' spouse were both unaware of the relationship, and the relationship could be used as leverage against a sitting Federal judge.
(9) Judge Ross’ behavior violated multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, including—
(A) Canon 2, which provides that a judge should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities;
(B) Canon 2(A), which adds that A judge should respect and comply with the law and should act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary; and
(C) the commentary to Canon 2(A), which further explains that public confidence in the judiciary is eroded by irresponsible or improper conduct by judges, including harassment and other inappropriate workplace behavior.