NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Supreme Court is weighing the fate of East Baton Rouge Parish Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts after the state’s Judiciary Commission recommended her removal from the bench, citing a “pervasive pattern” of dishonesty during her 2020 campaign and subsequent investigations.
Elected to the 19th Judicial District Court in 2020 and sworn in on Jan. 1, 2021, Foxworth-Roberts now risks becoming the first Louisiana judge ousted since 2009. The commission’s 11-2 vote followed a year-long probe, with calls for her to reimburse over $9,000 in costs. Arguments were heard by the high court on Oct. 21, with no decision yet issued.
At the heart of the case are allegations of “stolen valor” and misleading reports. During her campaign, Foxworth-Roberts touted herself as a U.S. Army veteran of three wars—Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan—claiming the rank of captain.
She appeared in ads wearing military gear and described being “no stranger to being on the front lines.” Military records, however, reveal she served as a medical laboratory assistant processing blood, never deployed overseas or in combat, and left the Reserves as a first lieutenant after failing promotion twice.
The confusion arises from her claim of being a “veteran of Desert Storm,” which began in August 1990 when she was 16. She was never deployed to the Gulf War. Instead, while stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1991–1992 (after enlisting at 18), she worked as a medical laboratory specialist processing blood samples from returning Desert Storm veterans.
Additionally, in 2020, she reported a car burglary at her Baton Rouge home, claiming $40,000 in stolen jewelry was missing. Evidence showed the incident occurred three miles away at a campaign site. She later gave conflicting accounts to police and her insurer, initially denying a claim.
Foxworth-Roberts defended her claims, arguing her support roles qualified as war service and that urban campaigning felt like “front lines.” She blamed inconsistencies on COVID-19 stress, her mother’s cancer, and possible extortion. Her attorney, Steve Irving, urged suspension over removal, calling the penalty disproportionate.
The commission dismissed her explanations as implausible, accusing her of misleading the public and obstructing the probe. Special counsel Michelle Beaty told justices, “You cannot teach a judge to be honest,” noting her lack of candor escalated the matter.
Justices expressed skepticism. Chief Justice John Weimer highlighted her evasiveness, while Justice Jay McCallum noted absent remorse, contrasting her case with another judge’s lighter suspension for cooperation.
If removed, the vacancy would be filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next election. The ruling could set a precedent for judicial ethics in Louisiana.
