The judge overseeing Fani Willis’ election interference case against Donald Trump in Georgia has indicated the possibility of a hearing in early February to address allegations against Willis. Trump’s co-defendant, Michael Roman, has accused Willis of an inappropriate relationship with a special prosecutor on her team, Nathan Wade. Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee mentioned the potential hearing date, as reported by ABC News on January 12, 2024.
Trump’s attorney, Steve Sadow, mentioned considering the motion related to the allegations but expressed the need for a better understanding or substantiation of the claims before proceeding. The defense emphasized a lack of factual background to support the accusations and stressed the importance of obtaining more information.
Willis has been subpoenaed in the divorce proceedings of prosecutor Nathan Wade. The filing alleges that their relationship began while Wade was still married, and he filed for divorce shortly after starting a contract with Willis.
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Simultaneously, the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee announced an investigation into Wade, focusing on potential coordination with politically motivated investigations and prosecutions, as well as the possible misuse of federal funds. This development occurred during a hearing where Trump’s lawyers sought communications between the DA’s office and the House select Jan. 6 committee. Prosecutors confirmed providing all relevant records as part of discovery.
In the broader context of the case, Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty in August to charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Some co-defendants, including Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, took plea deals in exchange for testifying against remaining defendants.
During the hearing, Wade confirmed that members of the DA’s office met with investigators from the Jan. 6 committee but clarified that there was no sharing of tangible documents. However, notes from the meeting were not handed over, with prosecutors citing attorney work product protection.
Trump’s attorney expressed frustration at having to file a motion to obtain information from the DA’s office, describing it as “troublesome.” Wade explained that the lack of response to Sadow’s emails was due to the tone, prompting them to double-check for any missed correspondence.
Additionally, an attorney for Rudy Giuliani, Allyn Stockton, indicated a shift in Giuliani’s request to “compel” interviews with co-defendants who pleaded guilty. Instead, they agreed to voluntary interviews but opposed the DA’s presence or recording of these interviews.
The hearing also featured arguments from co-defendants Bob Cheeley and Ray Smith seeking dismissal of their cases. Cheeley’s attorney argued that the charges were related to “civil disobedience,” not covered in racketeering cases. Smith’s attorney claimed the charges did not accurately outline his client’s connection to the alleged criminal enterprise.
Trevian Kutti, another co-defendant, appeared remotely as her attorneys sought to withdraw from the case, leaving her without representation. The judge granted the request and advised Kutti to seek private counsel, emphasizing no extensions would be granted.
The developments in the hearing include potential plans for a February hearing regarding allegations against DA Fani Willis, the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee’s investigation into Nathan Wade, and ongoing disputes over access to information and interviews between the defense and the DA’s office. The broader legal proceedings involve multiple co-defendants in a case related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
