Allegations have surfaced that Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, engaged in a romantic relationship with a key prosecutor, Nathan Wade, in former President Trump’s criminal case.
Romance Allegations in the Trump Case
These claims, which emerged in court documents filed on behalf of Mike Roman, a Trump 2020 campaign member and co-defendant in the Georgia election interference case, lack concrete evidence.
Alleged Private Encounters
According to the Trump co-defendant, Willis and Wade have been to “traditional vacation destinations” together, including the Caribbean and Napa Valley, and have been seen privately in various parts of Atlanta.
Friendship or More?
Over the weekend, without directly mentioning Wade, Willis appeared to address these claims, describing him as a “great friend” and justifying his appointment. She also criticized Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for demanding a criminal probe, accusing Greene’s spirit of being “filled with hate.
Reflecting on Tough Times
Speaking at a service in Atlanta commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Willis remarked, “I hope for y’all this week I don’t look like what I’ve been through.” Despite over a week passing, neither Willis nor Wade has directly refuted these allegations.
Roman Challenges Indictment
In his legal submission, Mike Roman argues that the alleged romantic tie between Fani Willis and Nathan Wade fundamentally flaws the indictment, urging the judge to dismiss the charges and bar Willis, Wade, and the entire Fulton County district attorney’s office from further involvement.
Potential Delays in High-Profile Case
Judge Scott McAfee, presiding over the case, plans to conduct a hearing on this issue, though it might be delayed until early February or later. The district attorney’s office, opting not to comment publicly, has chosen to address the matter in upcoming court filings.
Racial Bias in Prosecution?
Over the weekend, Willis hinted that racial factors might be influencing the scrutiny, pointing out that among the three special prosecutors she appointed, only Wade, who is Black, is facing questioning.
Racial Undertones in Legal Debate
Willis firmly stated, “I want to be clear: All three special counselors are superstars. But I’m just asking God, is it that some will never see a Black man as qualified, no matter his achievements? What more can one achieve? The other two have never been judges, but no one questions their credentials.”
Legal Experience Questioned
Wade, who has experience as a municipal judge and previously ran a family law and contract disputes practice, is now under the spotlight for his limited background in handling complex criminal cases.
Trump’s Racketeering Charges
In one of his four criminal cases, Trump faces charges from Willis’s team for racketeering, accused of conspiring with over a dozen associates to maintain power after the 2020 election unlawfully.
Trump Proclaims Innocence
Trump, maintaining his innocence, has urged for the case’s dismissal, labeling Willis as “totally compromised.” His lead attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, has adopted a more measured response to these developments.
Awaited Response
In a recent hearing, Sadow wanted to wait for Willis’s reaction before outlining Trump’s stance. Following Willis’s weekend remarks, Sadow adopted a somewhat stronger counter-stance.
Probing Political Motivations
Last Friday, House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan initiated an investigation into Willis’s prosecution to scrutinize its potential political motivations.
Revelations Stir Concern
In a letter to Wade, Jordan highlighted recent revelations as reinforcing the committee’s concerns about politically driven legal actions by state and local authorities.
Perceived Impropriety in Court
While the legislators’ comments may not directly influence the legal proceedings, any perceived impropriety could challenge Willis’s ability to achieve a conviction, especially if she’s unable to dispel jury doubts about a conflict of interest.
Wade’s Divorce Records
Attention is shifting to a January 31 hearing, where Ashleigh Merchant, representing Roman, plans to request the unsealing of Wade’s divorce records. Merchant suggests these records contain evidence of Wade’s supposed relationship with Willis.
Potential Removal
Notably, Willis was served with a subpoena in this divorce case on the same day these allegations surfaced. While some legal experts are skeptical that even if true, such an accusation would necessitate Willis’s removal. The Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee set an evidentiary hearing for 15 February to address allegations raised by Trump’s co-defendant.
More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
