Elgin Nelson
The Georgia election interference case involving former President Donald Trump has become an even bigger scandal as allegations of misconduct against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the first woman to hold the position, are deemed true. Willis was accused of engaging in an ‘improper’ affair with special prosecutor, Nathan Wade, who also serves on the case alongside the district attorney.
Michael Roman, one of Trump co-defendant’s, contended that this relationship created a conflict of interest in the case, citing instances such as plane tickets purchased by Wade for trips taken with Willis.
In a recent filing, Roman claimed to have a witness, Terrence Bradley, who would dispute these assertions. Bradley, Wade’s former divorce lawyer, allegedly possesses personal knowledge that the romantic involvement between Wade and Willis began before Willis assumed office as the district attorney in January 2021.
Roman’s lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, has subpoenaed other members of the DA’s office mentioned by Bradley as being aware of the relationship. Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee, who is presiding over the case, confirmed that a hearing take place with Bradley testifying.
McAfee made the following statement addressing the possibility that the allegations of an improper romantic relationship between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade could constitute a conflict of interest: “I think it’s clear that disqualification can occur if evidence is produced demonstrating an actual conflict or an appearance of one,” Judge Scott McAfee said.
“The state has admitted a relationship existed. So what remains to be proven is the existence and extent of any financial benefit, again if there even was one. Because I think it’s possible that the facts alleged by the defendant could result in disqualification. I think an evidentiary hearing must occur to establish the record on those core allegations.”
Willis has confirmed in a court filing that she had a personal relationship with Wade but insisted that his appointment did not involve any financial benefit for her. In an affidavit, Wade stated that the relationship commenced after his appointment as special counsel in 2022 and shared travel costs. Willis still defends her relationship and appointment of the special prosecutor amid public ridicule.
“The Black man I chose has been a judge more than 10 years, run a private practice more than 20, represented businesses in civil litigation − I ain’t done y’all,” Willis said in an emotional speech at a historic Black church in Atlanta. “He has served as a prosecutor, a criminal defense lawyer, special assistant attorney general.”
Anna Cross, a lawyer representing the district attorney, attacked the motions to dismiss the case, arguing that defense attorneys who brought the allegations against Willis and Wade were peddling “gossip.”
Trump and fellow Republicans have seized the opportunity to tarnish the reputation of the two prosecutors, consistently labeling Wade as Willis’ “lover” or “boyfriend” in an attempt to show doubt about Willis’ motives and the credibility of the case.
This narrative has been adopted by other Republicans, who are using the allegations as a basis for demanding investigations or sanctions against Willis, a Democrat seeking re-election this year.
Steve Sadow, a lawyer representing Trump, asserted that the recent developments do not alter their legal strategy. “Nothing has changed,” Sadow stated. “Our requested remedy remains clear: dismiss the case and disqualify the DA, along with her team and office, from any related matters.”
Judge McAfee scheduled the hearing on February 15th, indicating the importance and complexity of the matter. Additionally, he mentioned that Willis’ father would testify remotely as one of the witnesses the DA’s office intends to call during the proceedings. Willis is a career trial lawyer of over 19 years who has led more than 100 jury trials and has prosecuted hundreds of murder cases. She graduated from Howard University