Georgia's governor told the Post on Friday that accusations of misconduct by the district attorney prosecuting Trump's election interference case in the state are “very disturbing.”
A spokesperson for Gov. Brian Kemp also announced that Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis is investigating a special committee investigation into her alleged “inappropriate” relationship with Nathan Wade, whom Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis appointed as special prosecutor in the case. He suggested that he might receive it.
“These allegations are deeply concerning and we need evidence to be produced quickly.” [presiding] Judge McAfee has issued his decision and we ask that the public have confidence in this case going forward,” the governor's office said in a statement to the Post.
Co-prosecutors said in a motion filed Monday by Michael Roman, one of Donald Trump's 18 co-defendants in Willis' Racketeering and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act investigation, that “secret” This is the first time he has been accused of having a relationship with
Mr. Roman's lawyer, Ashley Merchant, accused Mr. Willis and Mr. Wade of “violating laws governing the use of public funds, suffering an irrevocable conflict of interest, and violating their constitutional oath of office.” . georgia This is a violation of the Code of Professional Conduct and should be disqualified from prosecuting this matter. ”
According to the court filing, Wade used attorney fees paid by the Fulton County Attorney's Office to pay for lavish vacations with Willis to Florida, Napa Valley and the Caribbean. Those claims have not been proven.
Kemp signed last year. New bill regarding the Statewide Prosecuting Attorney Qualifications Commission (PAQC) It has the authority to investigate complaints against the district attorney and dismiss the charges if there is sufficient cause. The law outlines a series of offenses that can remove a prosecutor from office, including “misconduct in office.”
“Georgians need to have confidence in this case, and the Georgia General Assembly has established a specific process to investigate matters like this,” the governor's office said in a statement to the Post.
“The PAQC has the authority to investigate suspected misconduct by district attorneys and solicitors general, and to discipline, remove, or involuntarily retire those who meet the conditions for removal.”
A spokesperson for Mr. Kemp told the Post that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed criminal charges against Mr. Willis earlier this week and was “right to refer” the matter to the committee.
In a complaint filed Wednesday, Ms. Greene (R-Ga.) alleges that Fulton County District Attorney Nathan Wade, the prosecutor representing her in the case of her alleged “secret boyfriend,” the former president requested an investigation.
However, the commissioner's term will not officially begin until July 2024, and he will only then be able to take complaints.
Mr. Willis largely disappeared from public view Friday. Mr. Wade appeared in court briefly, but he indicated that his work would be handled by his colleagues.
Harvey Silverglate, a criminal defense and human rights lawyer representing former Trump attorney John Eastman in the RICO case, said he was confident his client and co-defendants would be prosecuted by someone who no longer had an “axe to grind.” He said he did not feel that way.
“When she does that, it's very difficult.” [Willis] “I have a close relationship with the trial judge in this case,” he told the Post.
He also said Wade's initial appointment as special prosecutor was a shock given his lack of experience.
“This is a very difficult case to try, and the fact that this is someone with no experience would be daunting,” he said.
Silvergrate said the ideal outcome for his client would be for the state attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to take over the case.
Pool/AFP (via Getty Images)
“The independence and independent judgment of the district attorney is at stake. And of course it's about public trust because it's important not only that justice is served, but that the public sees that justice is served.” will also have an impact,” he added.
“So it's going to throw a huge monkey wrench into this whole issue.”
In arguing for the lawsuit to be dismissed earlier this week, Roman's attorneys made a number of accusations about Willis and Wade.
His attorneys argued in a motion that Willis failed to properly obtain approval from the Fulton County Commission before hiring Wade as special prosecutor.
But Pete Skandalakis, a Republican who heads the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys Council, said district attorneys in the state do not need to get permission from county commissions before making such hires, The New York Times reported. Reported.
Roman's lawyers also argued that Willis had a conflict of interest and violated his oath of office. The lawsuit also accused Willis and Wade of violating the county's Code and Rules of Professional Conduct Regarding Conflicts of Interest.
Meanwhile, Willis (who the Post has worked with since at least 2019, according to sources) flattered Wade in an unearthed interview with South Atlanta Magazine in January 2021. He described him as a “personal mentor” and a “meaningful person.”
