Federal judge had sex in chambers with police officer and lied about it, investigation found

Source: AP

By KATE BRUMBACK
Updated 9:46 PM CDT, May 28, 2026

ATLANTA (AP) — A federal judge had an extramarital affair with a high-ranking police officer — including having sex in the judge’s chambers that was overheard by staff — and initially lied about the actions but remains on the bench after receiving a “private reprimand,” according to an investigation by the court system.

The Judicial Council of the 11th Judicial Circuit, which includes Alabama, Florida and Georgia, said in a February order that the judge would receive a private reprimand. The Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability of the Judicial Conference of the United States last week affirmed that order.

The judge’s name and court location within the 11th Circuit were not disclosed, and The Associated Press was unable to confirm the judge’s identity.

Federal judges are appointed for life but can be subject to disciplinary action, including censure, public or private reprimands and temporary withholding of cases. They can only be removed through impeachment by Congress.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/federal-judge-police-officer-sex-reprimand-a1caf9894fce24596321c41f600072a9