On Friday, May 23, 2025, Nola.com reported that Baton Rouge Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts defended her position on the bench during a misconduct hearing before Louisiana’s Judiciary Commission. The commission is tasked with recommending disciplinary actions following allegations that Foxworth-Roberts exaggerated her military service and mishandled other matters. The Louisiana Supreme Court will make the final decision on any disciplinary measures.
Foxworth-Roberts faced scrutiny over claims made during her 2020 campaign, where she described herself as a veteran of three wars—Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan—and stated she achieved the rank of captain. Military records show she was never promoted to captain and was 16 years old during Desert Storm. While she served stateside during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, she did not see combat, despite campaign materials depicting her in military gear and referencing front-line service.
During the hearing, commission member John Fitzmorris Jr., an attorney, questioned her about the concept of stolen valor, which she acknowledged applied to her campaign statements. Commission Chair Judge Bruce Hampton noted that her advertisements could lead the public to believe she was a combat veteran. She said she could understand why they’d be perceived that way.
“How can anyone expect you to be fair if you won your office unfairly?” Hampton asked.
Foxworth-Roberts responded that she has been fair in her judicial duties and has received no complaints from litigants.
Foxworth-Roberts maintained that she is considered a Gulf War veteran due to her role treating veterans at Walter Reed Medical Center in the early 1990s. She clarified that she never appeared before a promotions board, despite military records indicating she was discharged after being passed over twice for captain. She also cited a sexual assault during her military service as a reason for hesitating to release her military records to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), which claimed she delayed their investigation.
The OSC argued that Foxworth-Roberts’ pattern of misrepresentations renders her unfit to serve as a judge, requesting her removal from the bench—a measure not taken in Louisiana since 2009. They compared her case to that of Orleans Parish Judge C. Hunter King, removed in 2003 for unethical conduct, including coercing staff to sell fundraiser tickets. The OSC also referenced former Jefferson Parish Judge Joan Benge, removed in 2009 amid a corruption probe, though she was not criminally charged.
Additionally, Foxworth-Roberts addressed allegations regarding a 2020 burglary reported during her campaign. She claimed $40,000 in jewelry and other items were stolen from her car’s center console. She told police the theft occurred in her driveway but reported to her insurer it happened while campaigning in Baton Rouge’s Sherwood Forest neighborhood. She admitted to moving her car back to her home before contacting police. When questioned by attorney John Sinquefield, a recent appointee to the Judiciary Commission by Governor Jeff Landry, about leaving valuable jewelry in her car, Foxworth-Roberts explained it was her daily attire but deemed it inappropriate to wear while campaigning.
Her attorney, Clare Roubion, acknowledged Foxworth-Roberts’ errors in judgment but emphasized that she has not mistreated litigants or manipulated court proceedings. Foxworth-Roberts expressed a commitment to improvement, noting she is working with a mentor judge. However, commission member Lloyd Clark, a citizen representative, expressed concern about public trust in a judge with such a history.
The OSC argued that Foxworth-Roberts’ misrepresentations influenced voters, who elected her based on inaccurate information. Foxworth-Roberts countered that her election was not a mistake and reflected her dedication to public service.
The Judiciary Commission’s recommendation will now go to the Louisiana Supreme Court, which will determine whether she remains on the bench or faces discipline, potentially including removal.
Source: Nola.com
