The Judicial Qualifications Commission has recommended the removal of
Fulton County Judge Shermela Williams, citing multiple violations.
Author: Reeves Jackson
ATLANTA — A Fulton County Superior Court judge could be removed from the bench after Georgia’s judicial watchdog accused her of serious misconduct, including wrongfully jailing a witness without legal authority.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission has recommended the removal of Judge Shermela Williams, citing multiple violations, such as improper communications with attorneys, repeated delays in ruling on cases and using her judicial power to interfere in family court matters involving her uncle and a sorority sister.
But one allegation stands out.
The commission said Williams ordered a 21-year-old witness jailed during her parents’ divorce proceedings, despite later admitting she had no legal authority to do so.
She told the commission she simply wanted to "send a message."
Legal experts said that kind of move is nearly unheard of.
Daryl Cohen, a former Fulton County assistant district attorney said this type of recommendation is extremely rare and reflects the severity of the accusations.
"We have to know as lawyers and as litigants, people in the courtroom, that that judge, male or female, young or old, it doesn't really matter, is above reproach, and doesn't have a stake in the case, doesn't care who wins -- just wants to follow the law and do the right thing," Cohen said.
The commission’s recommendation now heads to the Georgia Supreme Court, which will decide whether Williams should be removed from office.
Williams previously told the commission that removal would be excessive, and that a suspension would be more appropriate given the circumstances.
She has the opportunity to respond before the state’s highest court makes its decision.
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Fulton County judge facing removal for wrongfully arresting witness during parents' divorce, trying to influence family court cases
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