The Louisiana Supreme Court has removed Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts from her position, marking a rare instance of judicial removal in the state. This decision stems from a misconduct investigation that found Foxworth-Roberts repeatedly misrepresented her background, including false claims regarding her military service. The court’s ruling, announced on October 26, 2023, was decided by a narrow vote of 4-3.
In a statement, Chief Justice John Weimer emphasized the necessity of maintaining trust within the judicial system. He noted, “Although reluctant to remove an official elected by the people from the bench, this court finds that the lack of candor in the campaign… demonstrates removal from office is the only appropriate sanction.” This decision underscores the gravity of honesty and integrity for those in judicial roles.
The Louisiana Judiciary Commission had previously recommended Foxworth-Roberts’ removal after concluding that she had lied about her military service and other matters during her campaign for the bench in 2020. The commission’s investigation revealed that Foxworth-Roberts falsely advertised her status as a veteran of Desert Storm, despite being only 16 years old during the conflict. Additionally, claims made about her achieving the rank of Army captain were contradicted by her military records.
Foxworth-Roberts also faced scrutiny for an insurance claim filed during her campaign, in which she alleged that $40,000 worth of jewelry and other items were stolen from her vehicle. Body camera footage from police indicated inconsistencies in her account of the theft’s location. While Foxworth-Roberts claimed the incident occurred in her driveway, she reported it to her insurance company as having happened several miles away.
Retired Jefferson Parish Judge Melvin Zeno, who served as a hearing officer during the investigation, concluded that Foxworth-Roberts had “little, if any credibility,” citing numerous false statements and attempts to obscure the truth. This sentiment was echoed by several justices during oral arguments before the Supreme Court, where they expressed concern over her continued defensiveness regarding past statements.
Chief Justice Weimer highlighted the court’s willingness to accept human errors, stating, “The court is more willing to accept human frailties… than dishonesty.” This approach reflects the broader principles of accountability and transparency expected from judicial figures.
Foxworth-Roberts, who was elected to the bench in 2020, is the first judge to be removed by the Louisiana Supreme Court in 16 years. The ruling serves as a significant reminder of the standards of conduct required of those who serve in the judiciary.
As this story continues to develop, further updates will provide additional insights into the implications of this decision and its impact on the Louisiana judicial system.
