The inquiry into former President Donald Trump led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has taken an unexpected turn, with fresh details emerging concerning legal fees, romantic allegations, and a brewing controversy surrounding the contracts associated with the case.
As reported by the Daily Caller on January 16, 2024, documents recently obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) unveil surprising revelations regarding the financial aspects of the investigation.
It has come to light that Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor appointed by Willis and purportedly her romantic partner, received compensation at a higher hourly rate than John Floyd, one of the state’s preeminent racketeering experts. Floyd, recognized as Georgia’s foremost expert in racketeering, entered into a contract with the Fulton County DA’s office at an hourly rate of $150, whereas Wade was retained at $250 per hour.
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This payment discrepancy has raised concerns, particularly considering Floyd’s extensive experience and expertise in handling racketeering cases.
The contract controversy deepens with a Trump co-defendant claiming that Willis benefited from awarding Wade a “lucrative” contract, alleging that Wade used the payments to finance cruises and vacations for Willis. This assertion gains traction as Wade filed for divorce from his wife just a day after his contract with Willis commenced.
Responding to these allegations for the first time, Willis addressed the public at Big Bethel AME Church, asserting that she paid all three special counsels on the Trump case the same hourly rate. She dismissed the claims, suggesting that one special counsel, presumably referring to Wade, was being attacked because of his race.
This response comes amid heightened scrutiny over the financial arrangements and potential conflicts of interest in the case.
Another special counsel involved in the Trump case is Anna Cross, who entered into a contract with Fulton County at a $250 hourly rate. Cross, with two decades of experience as a prosecutor, has represented Georgia in high-profile homicide cases and argued extensively at the Georgia Supreme Court.
The disparity in hourly rates among the special counsels adds complexity to the controversy surrounding the financial aspects of the investigation.
Nathan Wade’s professional background has also faced scrutiny. While he has experience working in private practice as a trial attorney on contract disputes and family law, critics emphasize that he has never prosecuted a felony RICO case. This raises questions about his qualifications, particularly given the magnitude and complexity of the Trump case, considered the most significant criminal case in Georgia’s history.
Wade’s legal fees, totaling nearly $654,000 since January 2022, have drawn attention, with reports indicating discrepancies in amounts compared to other firms involved in the case, as per Fulton County’s expenditure reports.
The financial details prompt legal analysts to question the appropriateness of the fees paid to Wade, especially considering his lack of felony trial experience.
The controversy extends beyond financial matters, as the investigation itself faces challenges. Commencing in February 2021, the probe into former President Donald Trump focuses on potential violations of Georgia law related to election fraud, false statements, conspiracy, racketeering, violation of oath of office, and any involvement in violence or threats related to the election’s administration.
The case has been marred by allegations of bias, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency.
As Fulton County’s Trump investigation takes an unexpected turn, the public grapples with a cascade of revelations casting doubt on the fairness and integrity of the inquiry. Legal fees, romantic allegations, and contract controversies surrounding the case fuel skepticism and prompt urgent questions about the ethical conduct of those involved in pursuing justice at the highest levels.
