On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, WAFB reported that investigations into judicial misconduct involving two judges in Baton Rouge’s 19th Judicial District Courthouse have prompted calls for reforming how judges are selected in Louisiana.

Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, a statewide corruption watchdog, suggested that Louisiana consider adopting a merit-based appointment system for judges, as used in over 30 other states, instead of the current election process.

The investigations center on Judges Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts and Eboni Johnson-Rose, both elected to the 19th Judicial District. Special investigators have recommended that Foxworth-Roberts be removed from her position due to allegations of misconduct prior to her election, according to documents obtained by WAFB’s I-TEAM. Foxworth-Roberts has the opportunity to appear before the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana to contest the recommendation.

Johnson-Rose faced disciplinary action after an investigation found she mishandled several cases and used a racial slur in court while alleging unfair treatment of Black defendants by the District Attorney’s office. The Louisiana Supreme Court suspended her for six months, with only two months unpaid, and ordered her to pay $11,000 in investigation costs. She will also be on probation for two years. Johnson-Rose admitted to her errors and is expected to return to the bench soon.

Goyeneche noted that both judges were relatively new to their roles, with Johnson-Rose elected in 2020. He highlighted her immediate violations of judicial canons, citing incompetence and misinterpretation of the law. He also pointed out that Louisiana is one of at least 17 states that still rely on traditional judicial elections, which often see low voter turnout. Goyeneche argued that the issues with these two judges underscore the need for a merit-based selection process to ensure higher-quality judicial appointments.

The public’s reaction to these cases has been one of frustration, particularly regarding the fact that suspended officials like Johnson-Rose continue to receive salaries during disciplinary periods. Goyeneche emphasized that such situations erode public trust in how public funds are managed.

District Attorney Hillar Moore expressed concern over Johnson-Rose’s comments, particularly her allegations against his office. Last year, Moore told WAFB’s I-TEAM he was offended by the remarks, which he felt came close to labeling his office as racist. He raised concerns about the implications of Johnson-Rose’s perceptions for future judicial proceedings and the treatment of defendants.

WAFB’s I-TEAM attempted to contact both Foxworth-Roberts and Johnson-Rose for comment, but judicial canons prohibit them from discussing pending cases.

The investigations have sparked a broader discussion about the judicial selection process in Louisiana, with Goyeneche advocating for a shift to an appointment system to improve accountability and competence on the bench. The outcomes of these cases and the potential for reform remain under scrutiny as the public and officials await further developments.

 

 

Source: WAFB