The Louisiana Supreme Court has removed Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts from the bench following a rare decision in a misconduct case involving allegations of dishonesty. This marks the first removal of a judge by the state’s high court in 16 years. The court’s ruling was announced on March 7, 2024, with a narrow vote of 4-3.
The controversy surrounding Foxworth-Roberts centered on accusations that she consistently lied about various aspects of her background, including her military service. The Louisiana Judiciary Commission had previously recommended her removal after finding discrepancies in her claims, such as asserting she was a veteran of Desert Storm despite being only 16 at the time of the conflict. Furthermore, her military records do not support her claims of having attained the rank of Army captain.
According to Chief Justice John Weimer, the decision to remove Foxworth-Roberts was not taken lightly. In the majority opinion, he emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and integrity within the justice system. He stated, “Although reluctant to remove an official elected by the people from the bench, this court finds that the lack of candor… demonstrates removal from office is the only appropriate sanction to ensure the trust and integrity of the system of justice.”
The Judiciary Commission also scrutinized an incident involving an insurance claim Foxworth-Roberts filed during her 2020 campaign. She claimed that approximately $40,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from her car. Police body camera footage contradicted her account, showing her suggesting the theft occurred at her driveway while her insurance report indicated the break-in happened elsewhere.
Throughout the investigation, officials expressed concerns about Foxworth-Roberts’s credibility. Retired Jefferson Parish Judge Melvin Zeno, who served as a hearing officer for her case, concluded that she exhibited “little, if any credibility,” citing numerous false statements and attempts to mislead investigators.
During the Supreme Court hearing, justices probed Foxworth-Roberts’s decision to persistently defend her earlier statements, raising questions about her honesty. Chief Justice Weimer remarked, “The court is more willing to accept human frailties… than dishonesty.” This highlights the court’s stance on the importance of integrity for those in judicial positions.
Foxworth-Roberts, elected to the bench in 2020, has not yet publicly responded to the ruling. The implications of this decision extend beyond her career, as it underscores the judicial system’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
The case remains a significant development in Louisiana’s judicial history, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
