Nathan Wade, who played a significant role in the criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump in Georgia, submitted his resignation on Friday. This decision came after the judge requested him to step down due to his romantic relationship with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D).
Judge Scott McAfee has determined that the romantic relationship has created a perception of a conflict of interest. As a result, McAfee has ordered that the entire district attorney's office be excluded from the case, unless Wade agrees to step aside.
Following the departure, the case regarding Trump's alleged election interference can now proceed, although a trial date has not been scheduled yet.Trump and over a dozen of his associates are facing charges of racketeering and other offenses.
They are accused of participating in a lengthy conspiracy to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 victory in Georgia. Trump entered a not guilty plea.
In his letter, Wade highlighted that the judge did not find the defense's proof of an actual conflict of interest.
"I am offering my resignation in the interest of democracy, in dedication to the American public, and to move this case forward as quickly as possible," Wade wrote.
"I am sure that the case, and the team, will be in good hands moving forward and justice will be served," Wade said.
Willis responded to Wade with a letter of her own, accepting with kindness his resignation and expressing admiration for her former romantic partner.
"I compliment you for the professionalism and dignity you have shown over the last 865 days, as you have endured threats against you and your family, as well as unjustified attacks in the media and in court on your reputation as a lawyer," Willis wrote.
"I will always remember - and will remind everyone - that you were brave enough to step forward and take on the investigation and prosecution of the allegations that the defendants in this case engaged in a conspiracy to overturn Georgia's 2020 Presidential election," she added.
In an already unprecedented case, a remarkable chapter unfolded when a former president was charged with illegally attempting to overturn his election loss. This extraordinary development began in January when Michael Roman, a co-defendant of Trump, claimed in court documents that Willis and Wade, allegedly romantic partners, had benefited financially from the extensive election racketeering case.
Judge Scott McAfee presided over three days of intense hearings in February, which included a surprising testimony from Willis herself.
The judge declared on Friday that there was a strong suspicion of dishonesty surrounding Willis' testimony. Furthermore, the judge warned the district attorney that they must either replace Wade or risk being disqualified from the case.
Trump, writing on Truth Social, celebrated that Wade had "resigned in disgrace."
