The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission has determined there is probable cause to investigate Circuit Court Judge Eric Roberson of the Florida 4th Judicial Circuit over allegedly inappropriate statements he made while presiding over cases. Roberson, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott and elected without opposition two years ago, is now facing scrutiny for his courtroom comments in multiple matters.
In the case of Zoe Wood v. Tatyana Ussin, Roberson allegedly told the respondent: "This is scary, there's something seriously off with you and it's a shock that there haven't been criminal charges for this. Part of me wants to ban you from ever coming back to our state, and keep your issues up in Virginia." The ruling in that case was successfully appealed, and a different judge was assigned to rehear it. In Taheshanoel Knight v. Matthew Kepp, the JQC says Roberson determined the petitioner lacked evidence to support her stalking allegations against the respondent. According to the commission, Roberson made comments to the petitioner about mental health issues and her name, stating that the court would eventually stop her from filing in the system.
The most serious allegations involve the case of Sylverter Greene v. Erika Greene-Raines. The JQC says Roberson called the petitioner "an entitled little snot" and told the respondent: "You are a terrible human being, and I can look you in the eye and tell you that. And I'm a judge, so that's a legal judgment, you are a terrible human being." The commission also alleges Roberson made remarks about the respondent's lack of violence while making comments that encouraged additional conflict between the parties. Roberson granted a permanent injunction against the respondent in this case and noted it was only his third such injunction that year, comparing the respondent to a previous respondent who had been a child molester.
Roberson has 20 days from June 11 to respond in writing to the JQC's findings. He has not responded to attempts to reach him at his office or cell phone, nor did he provide comment to Florida Politics about the allegations. When appointed nine years ago, Roberson, a former prosecutor in the same circuit, stated he would transition from an advocate's role to serving as a neutral arbiter. The JQC's findings suggest his conduct in these cases may not reflect that commitment to judicial neutrality.