He's arguing that judicial security officers have no jurisdiction over local traffic stops, even when federal judges are involved. He wants me removed from any evidence collection related to your case. And your supervisor's response? She told Voss that threatening a federal officer could constitute obstruction of justice. Grant smiled grimly.
But she also ordered me to document every evidence request through proper legal channels. No shortcuts, no informal access, everything by the book. Marissa nodded approvingly. She's protecting both you and the integrity of whatever we uncover. That's exactly the right approach.
Grant gathered the printed logs and returned them to his folder. Judge, I have to ask, are you prepared for them to escalate this further? Voss isn't just covering for two officers anymore. He's protecting a systematic revenue stream built on targeting black drivers. I understand the stakes, Marissa replied, returning to her file boxes.
But, I also understand something else. Every shortcut we take, every procedural corner we cut, gives them ammunition to claim the evidence was obtained improperly. We have to be absolutely perfect. Her phone buzzed with an incoming email. She glanced at the screen and her expression hardened.
What is it? Grant asked. Marissa turned the phone so he could see the message header. Official notification from the Federal Judicial Council. Lieutenant Voss has filed a formal conduct complaint against me.
She opened the email and read aloud. Federal Judge Marissa Cole is accused of invoking her judicial office to intimidate local law enforcement officers during a legitimate traffic investigation. The complaint alleges that Judge Cole directed a federal marshal to interfere with evidence collection and used her position to avoid accountability for unlawful resistance to arrest. Grant shook his head in disgust. He's putting you on trial.
That's exactly what he's doing. Marissa forwarded the email to her attorney. Voss realizes the evidence is closing in around him, so he's trying to make me the aggressor. If he can convince a review panel that I abused my judicial authority, it undermines everything else we've uncovered. What does this mean for your caseload?
Temporary restriction of active duties while the complaint is reviewed. I can't preside over cases until the judicial council determines whether my conduct warrants discipline. She gestured to the storage boxes. That's why I'm packing. The irony was bitter and obvious.
The same officers who had arrested her for supposedly stealing her own car were now using the legal system to attack her career and reputation. They had transformed a wrongful traffic stop into a coordinated campaign against her professional standing. Grant closed his laptop and stood to leave. How long will the review take? Weeks, possibly months.