Embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continues her trial in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. can be done – if Special Counsel Nathan Wade leaves, the judge ruled Friday.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee made the decision after two weeks of deliberations, hearing testimony from Willis, Wade and others close to them.
In his judgment, he wrote: “Prosecution in this case cannot proceed until the state chooses one of two options.
“The district attorney may choose to step aside along with the entire office…or [special attorney] Mr. Wade can be withdrawn, and the district attorney, the defendant, and the public can proceed without his presence or remuneration interfering with or potentially undermining the merits of the case. . ”
The indictment alleges that Willis had been in a romantic relationship with Wade since before 2021, that Wade was appointed as a special prosecutor in an election interference case, and that he was given lavish vacations during his post as special prosecutor. He claims to have benefited financially from it.
The relationship was first disclosed in a bombshell court filing by Trump’s co-defendant, Mike Roman, in which he called for a conflict of interest and asked that Willis be removed from the case.
Mr. Willis and Mr. Wade (whom he and his wife only reached a divorce agreement in January) have admitted to having an affair, but their relationship won’t become official until 2022, after already filing lawsuits against 18 people, including the former president. He claimed under oath that he had done so since then.
However, at the prosecution’s hearing, witnesses gave testimony that contradicted the claims of the ex-girlfriends.
Explaining his decision after two weeks of deliberation, Judge McAfee said, “The court finds that the allegations and evidence are legally insufficient to support a finding of an actual conflict of interest” regarding the relationship between Willis and Wade. I wrote.
But he also said his decision “granted in part and denied in part” some of the motions filed by Trump and his co-defendants because “the injustice remains.” He also pointed out that there was a split judgment.
Donald Trump’s lawyer, Steve Sadow, quickly responded, saying, “While we respect the court’s decision, the court found that Mr. Willis and Mr. Wade made false statements about the extent of their personal relationship and made financial statements.” I believe that the prosecutor’s office did not give appropriate meaning to the prosecutor’s illegal actions, including their personal interests.” It has begun… We will exercise all legal options available to us as we continue to fight to end this lawsuit, which should never have been filed in the first place. ”
In mid-February, Robin Yearty, a former DA employee who claims to be one of Willis’ longtime friends, said there was “no doubt” that Willis and Wade were in a romantic relationship in 2019. He testified.
Mr Ierty said he saw the two “kissing” and “hugging” at the time.
Terrence Bradley, Wade’s former law partner and one-time divorcee, also told Merchant in January that the case “absolutely” began before Wade was appointed to lead the Trump case. .
According to records referenced in court and later revealed in full on Megyn Kelly’s podcast, Ms. Bradley said on January 5, “It started when she left the prosecutor’s office and was a judge in South Fulton.” ” he texted Merchant.
Some of the allegations against Willis include that she benefited financially from appointing Wade a key figure in the Trump case, particularly that Willis paid for him to travel with her using cash he earned from his job. It includes:
Bradley apparently knew about these excursions, texting Merchant, saying, “They have taken many trips to Florida, Texas, and California.”
“Outrageous,” Merchant wrote at the time. “They had a perfect relationship.”
But Mr Bradley attempted to backtrack on stage, saying his text conversations with Mr Merchant were “speculation” and could even be heard muttering “Oh, shit” when presented with a copy of the exchange.
In closing arguments, attorney Stephen Sadow pointed out that Willis and Wade intentionally hid their relationship until it was revealed in court in January.
“They hid it from all parties. [Willis’] Dad. Dad didn’t even know they were in a relationship! ” cried Sadow.
Even after the court stopped hearing evidence, newly filed documents listed the names of other potential witnesses detailing the ex-couple’s affair.
One potential witness with lawyer Manny Arora said he was told by Mr Bradley that Mr Wade had a garage door opener from Mr Ierty’s former apartment, where he and Mr Willis allegedly met for a secret meeting. It seems that he met.
While on the witness stand, Willis was combative with Ashley Merchant, the criminal defense attorney for Michael Roman, one of Trump’s remaining 14 co-defendants. Four other defendants also reached plea deals.
“You’re confused. You think I’m on trial,” Willis said when asked about Merchant and Wade’s flight records.
“These people are on trial for trying to steal the 2020 election. No matter how much you try to put me on trial, I won’t.” No,” he added.
