House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Judicial Impeachment Recommends Impeachment of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Judicial Impeachment, Chaired by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), concluded its inquiry of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana by recommending articles of impeachment to the full House Judiciary Committee.  The Task Force concluded that Judge Porteous violated his Constitutional oath by engaging in high crimes and misdemeanors. 

“Judge Porteous engaged in a pattern of conduct that is incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him as a Federal judge,” said Schiff.  “His longstanding pattern of corrupt conduct, so utterly lacking in honesty and integrity, demonstrates his unfitness to serve as a United States District Court Judge.”

“After hearing the testimony of witnesses and examining all the evidence it has become clear that Judge Porteous engaged in misconduct that warrants the issuance of articles of impeachment against him,” said Rep. Goodlatte.  “The evidence shows Judge Porteous was abusing his judicial office for his own advantage, that he violated court orders and lied under oath, compromising the integrity of our entire judicial system.  The House of Representatives has the duty to investigate the matter and take the appropriate actions to end this abuse and restore confidence in the judicial system.”

Following an initial investigatory phase, the Task Force on Judicial Impeachment held four separate evidentiary hearings over five days in November and December 2009, in order to determine whether Judge Porteous’s conduct provides a sufficient basis for impeachment and to develop a record upon which to recommend whether to adopt Articles of Impeachment.  This investigation led the Task Force to unanimously approve four articles of impeachment citing evidence that Judge Proteous intentionally made material false statements and representations under penalty of perjury, engaged in a corrupt kickback scheme, solicited and accepted unlawful gifts, and intentionally misled the Senate during his confirmation proceedings.

Judge Porteous would be only the 15th federal judge in the nation’s history to be impeached in the House.  The full House Judiciary is expected to consider the impeachment articles recommended by the Task Force in the coming days.