The Louisiana Supreme Court has removed a Baton Rouge judge from office after concluding that she misled voters during her 2020 election campaign. The decision marks a rare and significant disciplinary action within the state judiciary.
In a closely divided 4–3 ruling, the court found that Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts made false and exaggerated claims about her military service while running for a seat on the bench. It is the first time in 16 years that a Louisiana judge has been formally removed, highlighting the court’s emphasis on honesty and ethical conduct.
Court Finds Campaign Statements Were Misleading
Foxworth-Roberts, a Democrat, narrowly won her judicial race by just 27 votes. During the campaign, she repeatedly suggested she had served in combat during Operation Desert Storm and had achieved the rank of Army captain.
However, official military records reviewed by the court contradicted those statements. The records show that she served in the U.S. Army as a nurse within the United States, was never deployed overseas, and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant. The discrepancies were first reported by WWLTV.
Military-Themed Ads Raised Ethical Concerns
The court also examined Foxworth-Roberts’ campaign advertising strategy. She ran nine newspaper advertisements, most of them full-page, prominently featuring photographs of herself in military uniform.
Several ads implied participation in overseas conflicts, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Investigators determined those implications were inaccurate and unsupported by service records, describing a pattern of embellishment that misled voters.
Insurance Claim Scrutinized by Investigators
In addition to campaign conduct, the court reviewed a 2020 insurance claim filed after Foxworth-Roberts reported a vehicle burglary. According to court documents, she claimed more than $38,000 in stolen items, including valuables not listed in the original police report.
Records also showed that the vehicle had been moved several miles before authorities were notified, resulting in conflicting accounts. Her insurer, USAA, ultimately paid more than $24,000 on the claim.
Supreme Court Emphasizes Judicial Integrity
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Weimer said the judge’s actions undermined the integrity of the judiciary.
He stated that a lesser punishment would weaken the judicial discipline system and reduce the obligation of judges to be truthful with the public. The court also ordered Foxworth-Roberts to reimburse nearly $9,500 in investigative costs.
Justices Cade Cole, Jay McCallum, and Will Crain joined the majority opinion.
Dissenting Justices Favored Suspension
Three justices dissented, arguing that removal was too severe. Piper Griffin, John Michael Guidry, and Jeff Hughes said a suspension would have been sufficient and maintained that voters should ultimately decide a judge’s future through elections.
Judicial Seat Vacant, Future Candidacy Barred
As a result of the ruling, Foxworth-Roberts’ seat on the 19th Judicial District Court is now vacant. She is prohibited from running for any judicial office for five years, and her official court profile has been removed.
Broader Implications for Judicial Elections
Legal experts say the decision reinforces the high ethical standards expected of judges. While judicial positions are filled through elections, oversight mechanisms exist to address misconduct that damages public trust.
Observers note that the ruling sends a clear warning to future candidates: misleading campaign narratives and ethical lapses can carry serious consequences, including removal from office.
By taking decisive action, the Louisiana Supreme Court reaffirmed that transparency, accuracy, and integrity are essential for anyone entrusted with judicial authority. The case underscores the importance of truthful campaigning and serves as a reminder that public confidence in the legal system remains paramount.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has removed East Baton Rouge Parish Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts from office following findings of judicial misconduct tied to false statements made during her 2020 election campaign.
— Mike Netter (@nettermike) December 14, 2025
In a ruling issued by the court, justices determined that… pic.twitter.com/yXfR5OhLrS
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