Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has received a subpoena to testify in the divorce proceedings of a colleague.
The colleague, Nathan Wade, is alleged to have been involved in an improper "romantic" relationship with Willis while they were prosecuting former president Donald Trump. Wade, a private lawyer, was paid over $600,000 as a special prosecutor in the investigation of Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the Georgia election, as per Daily Mail.
Fani Willis to Testify in Nathan Wade's Divorce Case
According to court filings, Wade received nearly $654,000 in legal fees since January 2022, authorized by Willis' office. The motion claims that during this time, Wade and Willis took several trips together, including visits to Napa Valley, Florida, and cruises to the Caribbean, with Wade footing the bill. The motion, while lacking solid evidence, cites sources close to the two individuals.
Willis' lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, stated that the motion was not filed hastily but after careful consideration, research, and investigation. A spokesperson for Willis responded to the allegations, stating that the district attorney's office would address them appropriately through court filings.
Conservatives and supporters of Trump were swift to react on social media, calling for Willis' arrest and accusing her of corruption. Some demanded her resignation. However, others pointed out the lack of evidence provided in the motion, labeling it a frivolous suit.
In an attempt to get the racketeering case dismissed, attorneys representing Trump's co-defendant, Michael Roman, claimed that Willis had a clandestine relationship with Wade. The attorneys acknowledged the absence of direct evidence but alleged that sources close to both individuals confirmed an ongoing personal relationship. They further accused Willis of violating ethical standards by appointing Wade as a special prosecutor without prior approval.
The attorneys also asserted that Wade was receiving a significantly higher payment compared to other prosecutors in Willis' office and that they went on vacations together, funded by the taxpayers of Fulton County. They contended that Wade's appointment lacked legal authority and bypassed normal procedures, according to Newsweek.
Read Also : Ecuador Faces Wave of Violence After Gang Leader's Disappearance, Raid on Live TV Broadcast
Fani Willis' Spokesperson Responds to Allegations
A spokesperson for Willis responded, indicating that Roman's allegations would be addressed in court filings. Wade, who joined Willis' office in late 2021 as a special prosecutor for the Trump case, has been the driving force behind many of the state's legal arguments in court.
Legal analyst Anthony Michael Kreis viewed the filing as potentially undermining the legitimacy of the prosecution, although it lacked solid evidence. Kreis noted that the allegations posed an internal conflict of interest and an optics problem if proven true. He also highlighted that the claims did not appear to violate Roman's constitutional rights.
Roman himself faces seven charges related to his involvement in a scheme to overturn the election results in Georgia and other states. He maintains his innocence and claims to be targeted by the government, seeking support through a crowdfunding site for his legal defense fund.
Prosecutors aim to begin Roman's trial in early August 2024, which could coincide with Trump's presidential election campaign if he secures the Republican nomination. However, the impact of the recent allegations on the ongoing legal proceedings remains uncertain, CNN News reported.
