A Georgia judge has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must either recuse herself or dismiss special prosecutor Nathan Wade due to allegations of an improper relationship between the two.
According to four co-defendants in the 2020 election interference case, Willis engaged in a pre-existing romantic relationship with Wade prior to hiring him in 2021, which they claim resulted in financial benefits for Willis as the couple allegedly vacationed together. Both Willis and Wade have denied these accusations, maintaining that their relationship began in 2022, after Wade’s appointment as special prosecutor.
However, testimony from Robin Yeartie, a former close friend and employee of Willis at the DA’s office, contradicted their statements. Yeartie asserted, “I have no doubt that Willis and Wade’s relationship started in 2019, after the two met at a conference.” She recalled witnessing displays of affection between the two prior to November 2021.
🚨 BREAKING: Judge rules Fulton County DA Fani Willis and entire staff must step aside, or Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade must withdraw from Trump casehttps://t.co/6cfbmGxrQR
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 15, 2024
The defense, led by attorney Ashley Merchant, sought to expose a money trail that would establish a conflict of interest for Willis in the case against Trump, necessitating her disqualification. The two-day evidentiary hearing featured an unexpected testimony from Willis herself, which one expert characterized as “belligerent.” The district attorney’s behavior during the proceedings raised eyebrows, as she engaged in verbal sparring with lawyers and even appeared to be wearing her dress backwards.
Terrence Bradley, Nathan Wade’s former law firm partner and divorce attorney, also testified last month after the judge determined he could not claim attorney-client privilege. When pressed under oath, Bradley struggled to recall details and timelines regarding conversations with Wade about his relationship with Willis. However, in a text exchange with Merchant, Bradley had previously responded “absolutely” when asked if he believed the relationship began before Wade’s hiring in 2021.
This ruling by Judge Scott McAfee underscores the gravity of the allegations against Willis and the potential impact on the case against former President Trump. As a conservative observer, one cannot help but question the integrity and impartiality of the prosecution when such serious accusations of impropriety are leveled against the lead prosecutor. It is crucial that justice is served without any hint of bias or personal entanglements that could undermine the legitimacy of the legal process.
The testimony of Robin Yeartie and the text messages from Terrence Bradley provide compelling evidence that Willis and Wade’s relationship may have preceded Wade’s appointment, casting doubt on their denials. If proven true, this would represent a clear conflict of interest and a breach of ethical standards expected from those entrusted with upholding the law.
