Central GA judge faces hearing for accusations of sexual harassment, offensive comments

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A chief judge in central Georgia will face a hearing after investigators charged that he sexually harassed people in his courtroom, abused his power as a top judge in his circuit and showed prejudice over a several-year span.

Robert Reeves, chief judge in the Middle Judicial Circuit in Washington County, was accused of sexual harassment against women, bias, prejudice and making improper comments in November 2022, according to an investigation by the Judicial Qualifications Commission. The commission filed an investigative document charging him with 58 potential violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

The Georgia Supreme Court decided late last month he would have to face a judge over the allegations.

The investigation by the Judicial Qualifications Commission ended with formal charges against Reeves. The charging documents allege that between 2015 and 2022, Reeves had several concerning incidents: In one alleged incident, he called a man who didn’t follow his directions a derogatory term referring to disabled people in front of court personnel and attendees. In another, he told a mother that the investigator she was speaking to was a drug dealer. He also commented that another superior court judge was too lenient. He said he’d use his power to keep the judge from getting important cases.

The judicial complaint also mentions that Reeves berated attorneys for not preparing paperwork properly, made fun of a defendant’s name and, when asked by an inmate when the court would be in recess for lunch, said, “You mean we have to feed these people?”

The complaint also detailed incidents in which Reeves made inappropriate comments about female attorneys’ looks and made them uncomfortable by touching their shoulders or rubbing their backs, according to the investigation.

To a certain attorney, the judge referred to her as “Miss America,” and would urge her to smile if she wanted a document signed — a treatment that, according to the complaint became a common joke among the Public Defender’s Office. Others said Reeves would reconsider any request if that certain attorney brought the request forward.

To another female attorney, Reeves commented that she needed to decide whether to be a full-time mother or a full-time attorney, the document states. He also told her that her husband needed to be the primary breadwinner so she could be a better attorney, according to the investigation.

Additionally, he made a sexually inappropriate comment when the attorney mentioned her husband had hurt his back on vacation, saying “If you didn’t do the stuff you see on TV ... you know one foot on the nightstand and one foot way over here, he wouldn’t hurt his back,” according to the investigation.

The investigation found that there were incidents in which he would use his power as chief judge to make recommendations to other judges about cases involving his acquaintances. He also helped promote the Sunshine House, an advocacy center that works with law enforcement on child abuse cases, using his judicial title.

Georgia judge’s response to the allegations

In a legal reply, Reeves responded to each allegation. He said he couldn’t recall calling a defendant a derogatory term for people who have disabilities, though he did acknowledge having issues with the defendant.

Regarding the mother who he allegedly said was talking to a drug dealer, he couldn’t confirm what she and the investigator were discussing but admitted he called the investigator a drug dealer and emphasized that he made it clear to everyone he was joking.

Reeves denied berating attorneys but admits he had discussed repeated errors and inconsistencies with their paperwork. He also denied that he made fun of someone’s name. Additionally, he admitted the comment he made toward inmates occurred but “it was clear to all in the courtroom to be friendly banter.”

As for allegations regarding his conduct toward female attorneys, he admitted calling one of them “Miss America,” but argued it was because she often entered the courtroom waving as if she were in a pageant. He also stated that, although he lacked knowledge of the specific allegation, he has told many individuals approaching his bench to smile.

He clarified that, to that attorney, he had known her and her family for years and they often engaged in friendly banter.

Reeves denied trying to make another female attorney choose between motherhood and her legal career. He did recall the sexual comment he made but emphasized that it was made in a joking manner. He added that she knew the comment was a joke, but was upset he commented in front of a member of her staff.

Reeves denied using his power for cases involving acquaintances, clarifying that he only offered guidance to his friend on a student. Further, in his response, he said the other judge would let the students off with a warning.

Lastly, he admitted to promoting the Sunshine House on multiple occasions but lacked detail on the specifics.

Reeves had asked that the complaints against him be dismissed, but the state’s top court ruled against tossing the case.

Reeves’ case will be heard June 17-20 at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, with Judge Robert McBurney from Fulton County hearing the case.

The case will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and the will be live-streamed for public viewing. The live stream can be accessed at fultoncourt.org.

If McBurney finds the accusations against Reeves to be true, he can be suspended or removed from the bench, according to the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct.