WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Central Georgia judge could be suspended or removed after a state agency accused him of violating his oath dozens of times.
A complaint by the Judicial Qualifications Commission says Robert Reeves:
- Made inappropriate comments in the courtroom about defendants, law enforcement and attorneys.
- Sexually harassed female lawyers with inappropriate comments.
- Contacted other judges or lawyers about cases. In one, Reeves allegedly asked another judge to reduce a traffic charge against an acquaintance.
- Used his position to promote a local non-profit.
Since 2007, Reeves has been a superior-court judge for the Middle Georgia Circuit. He's now chief judge for the district, which includes Washington County.
Reeves' office in Swainsboro referred 13WMAZ to his attorney; he has not responded.
The state complaint, filed Nov. 16, lists 58 counts. It accuses Reeves of "willful misconduct," and intemperate and prejudicial conduct.
He has 30 days to respond, then the state commission may hold a hearing to decide whether he should be disciplined.
The complaint alleges that:
- After telling people in court to remain seated, Reeves told a man, "You're walking, and I'm telling you to be still. Are you really that retarded?"
- He told a victim's mother that an investigator was "the biggest drug dealer in Emanuel County."
- When a bailiff asked for a lunch recess to feed inmates waiting in court, Reeves responded, "You mean we have to feed these people?"
- He commented that another Jefferson County judge was too lenient, and Reeves said he would "double up" to make up the difference.
- Reeves drove down a one-way street to whistle at a lawyer outside the courthouse, and told her "What's a pretty girl like you doing walking alone?"
- The judge allegedly called the same lawyer "Miss America," often rubbed her shoulders and back, and when she asked him to sign documents, said, "If you smile, I'll sign it."
The complaint alleges that Reeves made inappropriate comments to at least three other women about their weight, their legs, sex with their husbands and how women should dress during Zoom meetings, and told one that she'd have to choose between being a full-time attorney or a full-time mother.
Reeves is also accused of promoting The Sunshine House, which serves victims of child abuse.
The complaint says Reeves hosted their Give-a-thon, praised their work and described how Sunshine House "helps getting people convicted when they abuse children."
The commission noted that Sunshine House staff frequently testifies in court before Reeves and said his comments violated the code saying judges should remain fair and impartial.
