A federal judicial panel in the United States has disciplined a district judge following an investigation into a two-year extramarital affair with a senior police officer. Allegations surfaced after a law clerk reported that the judge engaged in sexual activities with the officer in his private chambers during office hours, creating an uncomfortable environment for court staff. Initially, the judge dismissed the claims as unfounded, but a special investigative committee later confirmed the misconduct, which included sexual encounters, false statements to judicial authorities, and attending a political campaign event for a local district attorney candidate. The panel imposed several disciplinary actions, prohibiting the judge from serving as a chief judge or participating in Judicial Conference committees. Additionally, the judge is required to write formal apology letters to six former law clerks affected by the situation. The committee expressed concern that the affair made the judge vulnerable to extortion and undermined the professional atmosphere within the court.