The judge overseeing the blockbuster hearings against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a prosecutor in her office — both of whom just so happen to be deeply involved in the sprawling election conspiracy crimes case against former President Donald Trump and multiple co-defendants — has finally issued a decision… But it came with one hell of a catch for the DA and her office.
Judge Scott McAfee issued a split decision today, concerning the efforts to disqualify DA Willis from the massive RICO case against the ex-president in the state of Georgia over his efforts to overthrow the results of a United States presidential election.
McAfee determined that Willis is permitted to remain on this case, provided that lead prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom Willis allegedly had a personal, intimate relationship with, steps down. If Wade doesn’t go, Willis has to.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on McAfee’s long-awaited ruling:
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must either step aside or cut ties with her special prosecutor before the election interference case against Donald Trump can move forward, a judge ruled Friday.
In a much-anticipated decision, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said Willis must choose one of the two options to cure an appearance of impropriety fueled by her romantic relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade, who has billed more than $728,000 in legal fees to county taxpayers and helped pay for trips he took with the district attorney.”
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MSNBC’s Katie Phang offered more details on the judge’s decision in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter):
Bottom line: either Willis steps aside, along with her entire office OR Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade withdraws. A decision must be made, per McAfee.
The Court found that there was NO evidence of an actual conflict of interest. However, he did find that the ‘prosecution is encumbered by an appearance of impropriety.’ And ‘as long as Wade remains on the case, this unnecessary perception will persist’
The Court ‘finds itself unable to place any stock’ in the testimony of Terrence Bradley. McAfee also said Robin Yeartie’s testimony ‘lacked context and detail.’ And he considered the Wade cellphone info but said it didn’t say conclusively when the relationship started.”
Phang further added that, per the order, “there was ‘no material financial benefit’ derived by Willis in hiring and engaging in a personal relationship with Wade.”
Judge McAfee pointedly declined the Trump-fueled motion to dismiss the case, and its indictments against the ex-president and his co-defendants, in its entirety based on Willis’ indiscretions.
This decision is only a partial win for DA Willis, but also only a weak half-victory for Donald Trump and his legal team, who were hoping to successfully throw out the entire case on the grounds of Willis’ personal relationship with Wade.
In addition to the hearings surrounding the Wade/Willis relationship, McAfee did rule to dismiss a total of 6 charges against Trump and his co-conspirators in the Georgia election crimes case, only 3 of which were against the former president, personally.
Featured image via screen capture/Flickr – Gage Skidmore, under Creative Commons license 2.0
