Georgia Judge Reprimanded for In-Chambers Affair, Sparking Ethics Debate

US District Judge Eleanor Ross of the Northern District of Georgia received a private reprimand from the Eleventh Circuit after a two-year sexual relationship with an Atlanta Police Department deputy chief conducted in chambers during business hours, creating a hostile work environment for clerks and presenting a potential conflict of interest. The panel called the conduct a gross lack of judgment and noted risk of extortion given the judge’s spouse was unaware. Ross agreed to apology letters and to refrain from leadership roles, but critics say the punishment was too lenient because it remained confidential and did not address potential conflicts in her courtroom. Ross is notable as the first Black woman to serve as a judge in that district and has presided over high-profile cases, including the Chrisley fraud case.