ATLANTA — A Fulton County Superior Court judge could be removed from the bench after Georgia’s judicial watchdog accused her of serious misconduct, including wrongfully jailing a witness without legal authority.

The Judicial Qualifications Commission has recommended the removal of Judge Shermela Williams, citing multiple violations, such as improper communications with attorneys, repeated delays in ruling on cases and using her judicial power to interfere in family court matters involving her uncle and a sorority sister.

But one allegation stands out.

The commission said Williams ordered a 21-year-old witness jailed during her parents’ divorce proceedings, despite later admitting she had no legal authority to do so.

She told the commission she simply wanted to "send a message."

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