In Marietta, Georgia, a judge directed on Monday that the divorce files involving a special prosecutor in Donald Trump’s election case be opened to the public, amid allegations of an affair with District Attorney Fani Willis of Fulton County.
Divorce Files Stir Case Drama
The revealed documents, however, did not address these affair claims that have complicated the case, which charges Trump and 18 of his allies with efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Trump, maintaining his innocence, has pleaded not guilty and dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.
Romantic Rumors
The judge’s decision to unseal special prosecutor Nathan Wade’s divorce case came after a defense attorney suggested an inappropriate relationship between Willis and Wade. The judge also delayed a final verdict on whether Willis needs to answer questions in the divorce case and postponed her deposition, initially planned for Tuesday
Not Confirmed, Not Denied
Willis, who has appointed Wade despite his limited experience in prosecution, has neither confirmed nor denied a romantic relationship. She alleges Wade’s estranged wife is hindering her criminal case on election interference against Trump and others by demanding her testimony in their divorce.
Case Integrity Threatened
The affair rumors involving the prosecution could potentially undermine its credibility, with the leading candidate in the Republican primary and others using these allegations to question the integrity of the case and Nathan Wade’s competence as a prosecutor.
Unexpected Turn
On the day defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant, representing ex-Trump campaign worker and former White House staffer Michael Roman, suggested a romantic link between Fani Willis and Wade, Willis was subpoenaed for a deposition in the divorce case.
‘Improper’ Relationship
Fani Willis was first publicly accused of having a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade in a legal document filed by Michael Roman, a co-defendant in Trump’s case.
In his motion, Roman claimed that Willis and Wade were engaged in an ‘improper, clandestine personal relationship’ while Willis paid him over $650,000 across several years for case-related work.
Alleged Secret Travels
Court filings reveal Wade purchasing plane tickets under Willis’ name, leading Joycelyn Wade’s attorney to argue that their travels seemingly have no plausible explanation other than a romantic involvement.
‘Unique personal knowledge’
Andrea Dyer Hastings, representing Joycelyn Wade, expressed to the judge their belief that Willis possesses ‘unique personal knowledge’ relevant to the divorce, warranting her deposition.
Hastings criticized Willis for attempting to ‘hide under the shield of her position.’
Financial Dispute
In contrast, Willis’ attorney, Cinque Axam, emphasized that the primary concern in court is the division of marital assets, a matter unrelated to Willis, who shares no financial accounts with Nathan Wade and does not influence his spending.
Key Deposition Decision
During a brief session in Cobb County Superior Court, Judge Henry Thompson stated he couldn’t decide on Willis’ deposition in the divorce until Nathan Wade is questioned later this month. He also claimed that a prior judge incorrectly sealed the case without a proper hearing.
Files Reveal Lavish Travels
According to court documents filed by Joycelyn Wade’s lawyer, Nathan Wade has traveled to various locations, including San Francisco, Napa Valley, Florida, Belize, Panama, and Australia, and enjoyed Caribbean cruises since the divorce filing. Willis allegedly planned as a travel companion for some trips, as evidenced by the flight tickets he purchased for her.
Credit Card Clues
The recent court filing reveals credit card statements indicating that Nathan Wade, after his appointment as special prosecutor, purchased tickets in October 2022 for himself and Willis to travel to Miami, and again in April for a trip to San Francisco under both their names.
Organized Crime Law
This situation intertwines with one of the four legal battles Donald Trump faces as he seeks a return to the presidency. In this particular case, prosecutors are employing a law typically used against organized crime to allege that the former president, his lawyers, and aides formed a ‘criminal enterprise’ to maintain his power.
Maintaining Innocence
So far, four individuals have entered guilty pleas in the Georgia election case after striking deals with the prosecution. The remaining 15 defendants, including Trump and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, have entered not guilty pleas.
February Hearings
Willis’ office announced plans to address Jocelyn Wade’s accusations in an upcoming filing due on February 2, with a court hearing scheduled for February 15.
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