Fulton County DA and Prosecutor Subpoenaed in Alleged Improper Relationship Case Involving Trump
In a dramatic turn of events, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her top prosecutor, Nathan Wade, have been subpoenaed to testify in an upcoming evidentiary hearing. The hearing aims to investigate allegations of an improper relationship between Willis and Wade while they were investigating former President Donald Trump and 18 others in the Georgia election interference case. The subpoenas were issued as part of a lawsuit filed by the attorney for one of Trump’s co-defendants, accusing the district attorney’s office of withholding information.
The lawsuit, obtained by ABC News, claims that the DA’s office has been “stonewalling” the attorney’s efforts to obtain records related to the case through public information requests. The attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, accuses the office of intentionally withholding documents and accuses Willis and Wade of engaging in a personal, romantic relationship that resulted in financial gain for both of them.
The DA’s office has denied these allegations, stating that they have provided Merchant with all the requested materials. In a letter to Merchant, the office pushed back on her claims, stating that they disagree with her implication that they have failed to meet their obligations.
The issuing of the subpoenas could have significant implications for both Willis and Wade. They may now be required to testify under oath during the televised hearing on February 15. Trump and the other co-defendants are seeking to use these allegations to have Willis and Wade removed from the case and have the indictment thrown out.
Merchant’s lawsuit also accuses the DA’s office of violating the state’s Open Records Act. The complaint alleges that the office has intentionally stalled Merchant’s efforts to gather information on the matter. The complaint claims that the office either did not respond or provided incomplete responses to Merchant’s requests for records dating back to September.
In addition to the subpoenas issued to Willis and Wade, Merchant has also issued approximately a dozen additional subpoenas to employees at the Fulton County DA’s office. These subpoenas seek testimony or documents for the upcoming hearing. Among those subpoenaed are Daysha Young, another top prosecutor on the election interference case, and Tia Green, listed as a deputy executive assistant to Willis.
Merchant’s requests for documents include contract and invoice records related to Wade, as well as personnel information for attorneys hired by the DA’s office during Willis’ tenure and vacation time requested by Willis. The lawsuit claims that the DA’s office has failed to provide these records, violating the Open Records Act.
The lawsuit further alleges that a request for invoice records for Wade took months to be acknowledged, and despite multiple follow-ups, the office did not provide numerous invoices and other documents. Merchant claims that documents were intentionally withheld due to her motion to disqualify Wade and Willis from the election interference case.
Merchant’s complaint highlights several other instances where she claims that the DA’s office failed to provide responsive records or falsely claimed that they did not exist. These instances include requests for monthly reports on how the office spent COVID-19 funds received from the CARES Act and personnel records of attorneys hired since Willis became district attorney.
The upcoming evidentiary hearing, scheduled by the judge in the election case two weeks ago, has now become a high-stakes battle for Willis and Wade. They may soon find themselves testifying under oath as they face allegations of an improper relationship. Meanwhile, Merchant continues her fight to obtain the necessary records and information to defend her client.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both the individuals involved and the broader political landscape. As the world watches, all eyes will be on Fulton County as the truth behind these allegations is revealed in the courtroom.
