Pressure continues on embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whose prosecution of former President Donald Trump and co-defendants for alleged 2020 “election interference” is in jeopardy on several legal and ethical fronts.
Even though Willis’ alleged lover and special Trump prosecutor Nathan Wade reached a partial divorce settlement with his estranged wife on Tuesday, a Fulton County Superior Court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15. On that day Willis is ordered to answer questions about her alleged conflict-of-interest with Wade, ethical misconduct and possible abuse of taxpayer money.
A motion filed with the Fulton County Superior Court by Trump co-defendant Michael Roman says Willis was required to obtain permission from the Fulton County Commission before appointing a special prosecutor and that she used money intended to clear a backlog in cases from the COVID-19 pandemic to pay Wade. Two commissioners confirmed she did not go through the board, though whether she needed its permission is unclear.
Nevertheless, Willis has not provided any explanation, and Commissioner Bob Ellis previously emphasized that the DA has been “relatively obstinate” in providing information on how much money has been spent on the Trump proceedings.
Commissioner Bridget Thorne also said during a recent board meeting that Willis has not been transparent. “I asked her how much this election interference case was costing the county,” and she answered that “Lady Justice has no price tag.”
Adding to all this pressure on Willis is the recent state Senate passage of important legislation targeting her. It passed a resolution forming a committee to investigate Willis that has subpoena power and requires the DA, or others, to testify truthfully under oath. No vote is required in the state House, nor does the governor have to sign it.
