The federal judge at the center of a shocking courthouse sex scandal has issued a written apology to a former law clerk as congressional Republicans move forward with efforts to remove her from the bench.
According to new reporting from Fox News, U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross recently apologized to a former clerk for what she described as “harmful, offensive, and unprofessional behavior” after a judicial misconduct investigation found she engaged in a secret affair with a high-ranking Atlanta police officer and later made false statements during the investigation.
The apology comes as Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) and Rep. Clay Fuller (R-GA) have introduced impeachment resolutions against Ross, arguing her conduct demonstrates she is unfit to serve as a federal judge.
“You deserved better than to have your experience marred by my own offensive conflict,” Ross wrote in the letter obtained by Fox News. She acknowledged that her actions were “patently wrong” and admitted that a previous apology had failed to take full responsibility.
Ross also apologized for falsely accusing the former clerk of fabricating allegations against her.
“I also want to convey my deepest apologies to you for my false accusation against you,” Ross wrote. “Again, I have no excuse and immensely regret my behavior.”
As ALN previously reported, Clyde recently filed articles of impeachment accusing Ross of engaging in sexual activity inside her federal courthouse chambers, attending a partisan political event, and obstructing an official proceeding by misleading investigators.
According to Clyde’s impeachment resolution, Ross carried on an undisclosed extramarital affair with Atlanta Police Department officer Kelley Collier from approximately October 2023 through October 2025. The relationship allegedly included sexual encounters inside Ross’ chambers during business hours while she actively presided over federal cases.
Investigators reportedly reviewed courthouse security footage and visitor logs showing frequent visits by a uniformed police officer matching Collier’s description. Multiple former law clerks told investigators they observed the officer entering Ross’ chambers, while several reported hearing sounds consistent with sexual activity coming from behind closed doors.
Fox News reported that the investigation was launched by Eleventh Circuit Chief Judge William Pryor after a law clerk raised concerns about Ross’ conduct. A special investigative committee ultimately concluded that Ross engaged in sexual activity inside the courthouse, attended a partisan political event connected to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, and initially provided false statements when confronted with the allegations.
The committee also examined claims that Ross created a hostile workplace by yelling at staff and failing to properly supervise clerks. While investigators described an “eggshell culture” within chambers, they ultimately did not find sufficient evidence of abusive conduct.
Ross, who was nominated to the federal bench by former President Barack Obama in 2014, received a private reprimand from judicial authorities. She also agreed not to seek the position of chief judge and was required to write apology letters to six former law clerks.
Many Republicans argue the punishment falls far short of what the misconduct warrants.
“When judges become political activists or engage in judicial misconduct, Congress bears both the responsibility and the constitutional authority to hold them accountable,” Clyde previously said. “Judge Ross’ deeply disturbing actions prove she is incapable of displaying integrity or showing impartiality.”
Fuller echoed those concerns, arguing that Ross’ conduct represented a serious breach of judicial ethics and public trust.
“The American people expect and deserve a judiciary system that operates with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” Fuller said, according to Fox News. “Judge Ross has no place on the federal bench.”
The impeachment resolutions accuse Ross of repeatedly making false statements during the investigation, including denying that she had engaged in sexual activity anywhere in the courthouse. According to investigators, Ross did not reverse those denials until October 2025, after evidence gathered by the special committee had largely corroborated the allegations.
Clyde’s impeachment effort has already attracted support from several House Republicans, including Reps. Lauren Boebert, Buddy Carter, Paul Gosar, Andy Harris, Andy Ogles, Sheri Biggs, and John Carter.
The matter now heads to the House Judiciary Committee, which will determine whether formal impeachment proceedings should move forward. If the House ultimately votes to impeach Ross, the Senate would then decide whether she should be removed from the federal bench.
For now, Ross remains a sitting federal judge.
READ NEXT: White House Alarmed By Detailed Trump Situation Room Accounts In Upcoming Book
