A federal judge once praised for breaking barriers on the bench is now facing national scrutiny after reports revealed she was privately reprimanded over an alleged workplace affair that investigators say unfolded inside judicial chambers during business hours.
Judge Eleanor Ross of the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia was identified this week as the unnamed judge referenced in a judicial misconduct investigation involving a sexual relationship with a police commander. According to a report released by a special judicial conduct committee within the Eleventh Circuit, the relationship allegedly took place over a two-year period and created what investigators described as an “extremely uncomfortable and troubling” work environment for law clerks.
The report stated the judge engaged in sexual intercourse in “chambers and during business hours,” adding that the conduct “demonstrated a gross lack of judgment.” Investigators also warned the relationship created a potential “conflict-of-interest risk” because the officer involved worked within law enforcement.
A source familiar with the matter identified the officer as Atlanta Police Department Deputy Chief Kelley Collier, who currently oversees the department’s community services division. The Atlanta Police Department later confirmed it had contacted the US Court of Appeals seeking clarification about the officer’s identity but noted the court had not publicly identified the individual.
Ross, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama and confirmed in 2014, made history as the first Black woman appointed to the Northern District of Georgia. Before joining the federal bench, she worked as both a Fulton County prosecutor and federal prosecutor in Atlanta. Her courtroom has handled several high-profile cases over the years, including the 2022 bank fraud conviction of reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley.
The investigation also found Ross improperly attended a political victory party connected to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ 2024 primary campaign. The report further stated the judge made false statements during portions of the investigation.
Despite those findings, Ross received only a private reprimand. The disciplinary agreement reportedly requires her to apologize to former clerks and refrain from serving in judicial leadership positions.
The punishment has already sparked backlash from legal ethics advocates who argue the consequences were too lenient given the seriousness of the allegations.
“The judge’s misconduct strikes at the heart of judicial integrity and destroys public confidence in an impartial, ethical court system,” said Legal Accountability Project founder Aliza Shatzman.
