On Monday, May 12, 2025, the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission issued a report announcing the resignation of Upson County Probate Judge Danielle McRae, who stepped down late Friday amid a probe into allegations of misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Danielle McRae,” with case number 2025-669.
McRae, who had served as probate judge since 2012, faced accusations of misusing county funds, engaging in improper discussions about court cases, and other violations. Her resignation came as the commission concluded its investigation, with McRae agreeing in writing not to pursue judicial roles in the future.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed it launched a separate probe into McRae’s actions following a request on Friday. A GBI spokesperson stated that agents are moving forward with their inquiry, though no further details were provided.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission’s report outlined several accusations against McRae, including using a county-issued purchasing card for personal travel and lodging expenses. She was also alleged to have voided payments for traffic citations processed through the court and failed to provide truthful information to investigators.
Kevin Holder, executive director of the Council of Probate Court Judges, shared a text message McRae sent to a group chat that included him and other probate judges. In the message, McRae acknowledged violating judicial conduct rules, stating that some allegations could not be denied and that her actions created the appearance of impropriety. She wrote that she had no option but to resign, despite denying some of the accusations. The message also expressed that her actions were not driven by ill intent and conveyed her affection for her role and colleagues. Holder confirmed McRae sent a similar message to her staff on Friday.
Governor Brian Kemp accepted McRae’s resignation, effective immediately, according to a letter from his office. Following her departure, Upson County’s associate probate judge will assume McRae’s responsibilities until a special election is held to fill the vacancy.
Additional allegations against McRae included improper communications with an attorney regarding court cases and frequent absences from her duties, according to Holder.
McRae’s name has been removed from the Upson County Probate Court website.
McRae had been reelected in 2024 for a four-year term as probate judge, a position that oversees wills, estates, marriage and gun licensing, guardianships, and other matters in Georgia. Before her tenure as probate judge, she served as a court clerk in Upson and Meriwether counties. McRae is not an attorney, which is not a requirement for probate judges in Georgia counties with populations under 96,000. Upson County, with fewer than 30,000 residents, does not mandate that its probate judge hold a law degree.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
