ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department (APD) has launched an inquiry to determine whether a law enforcement officer accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a federal judge inside judicial chambers is one of its employees.
The investigation follows findings by the Judicial Council of the Eleventh Circuit, which concluded that a federal judge committed judicial misconduct. The judge’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, and official documents released in the case do not reveal the location of the court where the alleged incidents occurred.
According to court records, a complaint filed by a law clerk in September alleged that the judge and a “uniformed law enforcement officer” engaged in sexual activity inside the judge’s chambers during working hours on multiple occasions. The complaint further claimed that some of the incidents occurred within earshot of court staff members.
A special committee appointed to investigate the allegations reviewed the matter and determined that misconduct had occurred. The findings cited several violations, including allegations that the judge engaged in sexual activity inside chambers during business hours, made false statements during the investigation, and attended a partisan political event.
Neither the judge nor the law enforcement officer was identified in the memorandum released by the Judicial Council. The Associated Press also reported that it was unable to independently confirm the identity of the judge involved.
The lack of identifying details has fueled widespread speculation online regarding which court may be connected to the case. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit covers federal courts in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, making it difficult to determine where the alleged misconduct took place.
In a statement provided to local media, APD confirmed that it has contacted the U.S. Court of Appeals seeking information that could help identify the law enforcement officer referenced in the judicial misconduct proceedings. The department said it is working to determine whether the individual has any connection to the Atlanta Police Department.
According to the Associated Press, a February order recommended that the judge receive a private reprimand. That disciplinary action was later affirmed by the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability of the Judicial Conference last week.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced any criminal charges related to the allegations. Additional details may emerge as APD and federal judicial authorities continue their respective inquiries.
Has the judge been publicly identified?
No. Judicial documents released so far do not disclose the judge’s name or court location.
What misconduct allegations were upheld?
The investigation found misconduct related to alleged sexual activity in chambers during business hours, false statements, and attendance at a partisan political event.
Why is the Atlanta Police Department involved?
APD is investigating whether the law enforcement officer mentioned in the judicial misconduct findings is one of its employees.