Rep. Johnson to Judge Cebull: 'Resign'

Johnson: There is no place for a federal judge who uses racist, divisive language

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) today called for Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull to resign.

In a letter to Judge Cebull, Congressman Johnson said: “you flagrantly violated the Judicial Code of Conduct, and I am urging you to resign from your position on the federal District Court for Montana effective immediately."

[To read the letter, click HERE]

On Feb. 20, 2012, Cebull distributed to his friends and associates an e-mail that likened biracial relationships to bestiality and joked that President Obama’s mother had sex with a dog. Further, he forwarded the disturbing e-mail from his court-issued account at taxpayers’ expense.

As a former magistrate judge and trial lawyer, and now as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Johnson has a Constitutional responsibility to oversee the administration of the Courts and protect the integrity of the judiciary.

“Your actions not only impugn your own impartiality, but undermine the integrity of the entire federal judicial system. There is no place for a federal judge who promotes racist and divisive language. It is an affront to the district judges of Montana, and to every other member of the judiciary throughout America when a chief federal district court judge cheapens the office by distributing racially offensive statements,” said Johnson.

“The public can no longer be assured that your judgment is not biased by racist sentiments. Therefore, you should resign from your office immediately.”

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