On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Georgia Supreme Court suspended Judge Robert “Bobby” Reeves without pay for 30 days in response to allegations of misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Robert Reeves,” with case number S23Z0337.
Reeves serves as chief judge of Georgia’s Middle Judicial Circuit, which covers five counties. An investigation by the state’s Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) found that over seven years, ending in 2022, Reeves made inappropriate remarks to court staff and lawyers, inappropriately touched women, attempted to influence prosecutors in criminal cases, and helped with fundraising for a children’s advocacy group.
The JQC brought 58 ethics charges against Reeves in November 2022 related to more than a dozen incidents. Specifically, the charges alleged that Reeves asked a court attendee if they were “retarded,” referred to an investigator unprofessionally, suggested leniency for an acquaintance, and made negative comments about women attorneys, their appearances, and maternity leave.
Reeves was also accused of inappropriately approaching and touching a female public defender and making her uncomfortable with unwanted hugs and comments on her looks. In other instances, he remarked on female attorneys’ weights, dresses, and relationship issues. He told one woman her “bedroom antics” had hurt her husband.
The judge’s lawyer acknowledged Reeves made some inappropriate jokes but maintained he never meant to offend. Reeves told investigators some comments were jokes and said he apologized to those offended. However, the Supreme Court found his misconduct was more widespread and serious than prior cases, warranting lesser penalties.
As part of an agreement with the JQC, Reeves will be suspended without pay for 30 days starting September 1st. He will also receive a public reprimand. The agreement bars him from seeking further judicial office when his term expires in late 2026. Additionally, he agreed to recuse himself from cases involving three attorneys involved in the investigation.
The JQC hearing panel recognized Reeves’ cooperation but still found his behavior as “boneheaded and tone-deaf.” While not meant to be mean-spirited, his remarks and physical interactions with female attorneys and staff were unwelcome and inappropriate for a judge.
Judge Reeves‘ courtroom is located at 125 S. Main Street, Ste. B, Swainsboro, GA 30401, and can be reached at 478-237-6191.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
