In a jaw-dropping case of judicial lying, the Louisiana Office of Special Counsel (OSC) revealed to the State Judiciary Commission that a district court judge named Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts had lied during the judicial campaign about her military service, claiming to have earned the rank of captain in the Army Reserves when in reality she was passed over for promotion to that rank twice.
Such is what the Louisiana OSC revealed in its report to the State Judiciary Commission about the 19th District Court judge, arguing that she should be expelled from office over the “egregious” lies she told on the campaign trail for the gavel. It remains to be seen if both the commission and the Louisiana State Supreme Court agree that Foxworth-Roberts should be removed from office.
It was Michael Bewers, assistant special counsel to the Judicial Commission of Louisiana, who exposed the lies Foxworth-Roberts told, writing in his brief, “The evidence was overwhelming that Judge Foxworth-Roberts’ conduct constituted egregious unethical conduct, necessitating a severe penalty.”
Continuing, and describing the utterly absurd heights to which Foxworth-Roberts went to further her career on the basis of a big lie, Bewers said, “Judge Foxworth-Roberts’ egregious misconduct, including a severe lack of cooperation, were calculated, deliberate, and in bad faith to further her own self-interests, and avoid detecting.”
He then noted that her lies were so severe and conduct so egregious that allowing her to remain in office would substantially harm the judiciary, saying, “Her persistent and public conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute more than justify a recommendation of removal from office.”
Further, he argued that her lies were far from a one-off and, in fact, were part of a continued campaign of lies that she told and egregious conduct on her part. He wrote, “Judge Foxworth-Roberts’ egregious misconduct in this matter was anything but an isolated event. Rather, it was rampant and constituted a pattern of misconduct.”
And stolen valor is just part of the web of lies constructed by Foxworth-Roberts. She also, the OSC alleged in its brief to the State Judiciary Commission, lied about a $19,000 diamond ring that she claimed was stolen in what appears to be a case of insurance fraud.
"*" indicates required fields
According to Bewers’ brief, Foxworth-Roberts made “false and misleading statements” about the supposed burglary, as an anonymous complaint alleged that the judge filed a false police report and insurance claim in connection with the incident, alleging that the theft was fake.
Commenting on that in the brief, Bewers said, “There is a fundamental dishonesty which permeates Judge Foxworth-Robert’s words and actions throughout every aspect of this case. Such dishonesty simply cannot be allowed to remain a part of Louisiana’s honorable judiciary.”
He then argued that removal is the only just course of action, saying, “Given the magnitude of the misconduct, and given Judge Foxworth-Robert’s demonstrated indifference, lack of personal responsibility, and lack of appreciation for the consequences of her actions, the Commission should ultimately conclude that there is no middle ground for redressing Judge Foxworth-Robert’s serious and persistent misconduct.”