Eleanor Ross, an Obama appointee serving on the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, has been publicly identified as the judge reprimanded for engaging in sexual activity within her chambers during business hours. The findings, detailed in a judicial conduct investigation, describe a relationship with an Atlanta Police Department commander. The report noted the conduct demonstrated "a gross lack of judgment" and created "an extremely uncomfortable and troubling" work environment for law clerks.
The judge's identity surfaced following reports of a judicial misconduct committee's findings. Ross was reprimanded privately for the alleged affair, which reportedly occurred between 2023 and 2025. Her affair partner was identified as Atlanta Police Department Deputy Chief Kelley Collier.
The allegations became public after law clerks allegedly overheard sexual encounters within the judge's chambers. Ross was reportedly handed a private dressing-down for the conduct.
Despite the reprimand, Judge Ross was not removed from her position and remains an active federal judge. This situation has amplified scrutiny regarding judicial ethics and workplace conduct within the federal court system.
Ross, the first Black woman to serve as a judge on the Northern District of Georgia, has a background that includes service as a state court judge and a federal prosecutor. The investigation also flagged concerns about a potential conflict of interest arising from her involvement with a police commander.
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This development comes to light nearly two years after Judge Ross handed down a sentence to reality television star Todd Chrisley in a federal fraud case. Chrisley, upon learning of the judge's identity, reportedly expressed anger and called for her impeachment.
"This corrupt judge who couldn’t focus on our case because she was too busy clapping dem cheeks in her chambers … she needs to be impeached and we will work with Congress and our legal team to see that this happens."– Todd Chrisley, via Instagram
