Former Trump staffer and co-defendant Michael Roman has accused Fani Willis and Nathan Wade of having an affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, gave evidence in a two-day hearing following accusations that she was having an affair with Wade. Roman pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges against Wade and said the case is politically motivated because he is the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination.
Roman claimed Willis and Wade had benefited financially from taxpayers’ money. The pair later admitted to having a romantic relationship but denied a conflict of interest. Roman stated that the pair’s relationship started earlier than they had disclosed. The hearing will determine whether Willis is removed from the Trump case.
During the hearing, the pair were questioned about the lack of receipts they had to show money changing hands. Wade testified that Willis paid cash for excursions on at least one vacation and paid him back for plane flights and other travel. Legal analysts, including former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade, believe that Willis’s testimony dispelled any kickback scheme that would disqualify her. Georgia lawyer Doug Weinstein expressed disappointment in Willis.
Judge Scott McAfee is expected to make a decision about Willis in the coming weeks. He respects her and her office, and putting the Trump trial at risk in this fashion demonstrates poor judgment. It is difficult to deny the appearance of impropriety.
