Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has found herself entangled in controversy, facing accusations of a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor appointed to handle the criminal racketeering case against former President Donald Trump.
The allegations, brought forth by co-defendant Michael Roman, have ignited a legal and ethical firestorm, injecting a new layer of complexity into the already high-profile trial. Willis, spearheading the 41-count indictment against Trump for alleged attempts to undermine the 2020 election results in Georgia, now faces scrutiny for her alleged personal involvement with Wade.
Outlined in a comprehensive 127-page court motion filed on Roman’s behalf, the accusations assert that Willis and Wade not only engaged in an improper romantic relationship but also benefited personally from the case at the expense of taxpayers.
Roman’s motion, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, seeks the dismissal of charges against him and the disqualification of Willis and her staff from the case, branding the alleged affair as “an improper, clandestine personal relationship.”
The motion contends that Wade utilized funds designated for his work on the Trump case to finance vacations with Willis to various destinations, including Napa Valley, California, Florida, and the Caribbean. However, it is important to note that despite the detailed claims, the filing provides no concrete evidence to substantiate these allegations.
Furthermore, the motion accuses Willis and Wade of violating laws governing the use of public funds, alleging irreparable conflicts of interest, and violating their oaths of office under the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the district attorney’s office has committed to respond to the allegations through appropriate court filings. Despite attempts by Newsweek to obtain a comment from Willis, there has been no response at the time of reporting.
The gravity of these allegations raises concerns about the integrity of the ongoing prosecution against Trump and its potential implications for the legal landscape. The motion also sheds light on the timeline of events surrounding Wade’s involvement in the case.
Wade, described as “an old friend” in The New York Times, was hired by Willis in November 2021, despite being a married man. The filing reveals that Wade filed for divorce just one day after commencing his contract with Willis.
A seasoned attorney licensed to practice in all of Georgia’s courts, Wade is described on his law firm’s website as a “Former Prosecutor and natural-born trial Attorney.” His biography highlights his achievements, including becoming the first Black male judge in Marietta in 2011 and his unsuccessful attempts to secure a judgeship in Cobb County Superior Court between 2012 and 2016.
According to Law.com, Wade’s estranged wife, Joycelyn Wade, shares two children with him. The unfolding events surrounding this case cast a shadow on the legal proceedings and bring into question the integrity of those involved in the pursuit of justice.