WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Central Georgia judge will face another judge in June over 58 cases of alleged wrongdoing, according to the Georgia Supreme Court.
Robert Reeves, the chief judge in the Middle Judicial Circuit in Washington County, is accused of making inappropriate comments in court about defendants, cops and attorneys.
He is also accused of sexually harassing female lawyers and using his position of power improperly, including allegations of asking a judge to reduce traffic charges against an acquaintance of his.
Those allegations were leveled against Reeves in a November 2022 complaint filed by the director of the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
Now, the Georgia Supreme Court announced a four-day hearing to determine whether or not he should be punished. Fulton County Judge Robert McBurney will be presiding over the hearing.
The hearing is set to take place June 17 through June 20 at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.
While he admitted to making "jokes" and "friendly banter," he denied sexual harassment. He asked the commission to dismiss the complaint, but they did not.
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.
The state complaint, filed back in November 2022, lists 58 counts. It accuses Reeves of "willful misconduct," and intemperate and prejudicial conduct.
The judge is accused of rubbing the shoulders and back of a female lawyer, calling her "Miss America" and at one point pulling his car alongside her walking and saying "What's a pretty girl like you doing walking alone," the complaint alleges.
In response, Reeves told 13WMAZ that he and the attorney "often engage in "friendly banter" and he often "greets her fondly."
The complaint says when he told people in his courtroom to remain seated, Reeves told another man "You're walking, and I'm telling you to be still. Are you really that retarded?"
He said he does not recall using that word.
In another case, a bailiff asked for a lunch break to feed inmates waiting for court. The complaint says he responded, "You mean we have to feed these people?"
Reeves described that exchange as friendly banter.
It is unclear when a decision could be handed down after the hearing in June.