The Georgia RICO case against Trump could fall apart due to Fani Willis’ alleged “improper” relationship with a top Trump prosecutor she hired.
As previously reported, Fani Willis “financially benefited” from an “improper” romantic relationship she had with Nathan Wade, a top Trump prosecutor who she hired to go after President Trump.
Reportedly, Wade financed extravagant vacations for both of them, including a Caribbean cruise.
Georgia Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has set a hearing for February 15 to examine the accusations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her chief prosecutor.
The claims, brought forward by former campaign aide Mike Roman, a co-defendant in the election interference case against President Trump, suggest an improper relationship and misuse of public funds. The judge has directed Willis to provide a written response by February 2.
The accusations were initially outlined in a legal document by Roman and subsequently covered by The Washington Post.
As of now, Willis has not publicly addressed these claims. Judge McAfee’s order demands her to respond in a televised court session, potentially leading to embarrassment or potentially affecting the ongoing investigation. Roman’s legal filing aims to have Willis and Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor, removed from the case and also seeks the dismissal of the charges.
🚨 #BREAKING: Ga. judge in Trump case orders hearing on accusations of Fani Willis misconduct.https://t.co/BUV1zz4EPf
— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) January 18, 2024
The document states, “sources close to both the special prosecutor and the district attorney have confirmed they had an ongoing, personal relationship.”
On Friday, Judge McAfee said, “So obviously my plan with this was to allow the state an opportunity to respond before setting a hearing date. Early February would be the soonest that would happen.”
A spokesperson from the District Attorney’s office had previously conveyed that their reply to the allegations would be presented “through appropriate court filings.”
Steve Sadow, a lawyer representing Trump, mentioned that Trump’s defense team is considering supporting the motion concerning what he referred to as “salacious and scandalous” accusations. However, they plan to gain a “better understanding or substantiation” of these claims before expressing support, acknowledging the current lack of evidence.
Sadow explained, “I don’t have a factual background that I can state to the court that supports that at this point. I’m leery of moving to adopt motions that make such allegations without having a better understanding or substantiation of the allegations.”
Willis received a subpoena related to Wade’s divorce proceedings, per a court document from a different lawsuit. The subpoena, sought by Wade’s wife Joycelyn Wade, was left with Willis’ executive assistant. A Willis spokesperson declined to comment but mentioned that a response to the subpoena would be provided.
Ashleigh Merchant, an attorney for Roman, asserted that a relationship between Willis and Wade led to “the special prosecutor, and, in turn, the district attorney, profiting significantly from this prosecution at the expense of the taxpayers.” She claimed that documents in the sealed divorce case would validate Roman’s claims and requested the judge to order their unsealing.
In an interview, Merchant stated that she reviewed all meeting minutes of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, responsible for approving the hiring of special prosecutors. She asserted that she couldn’t find any instance where DA Willis sought approval for the hiring of Wade.
