The Georgia State Senate has recently launched an investigation into District Attorney Fani Willis over allegations of ethical and legal misconduct in cases involving former President Trump. The investigation comes amidst controversy surrounding special prosecutor Nathan Wade, who has requested a protective order in his divorce case due to an alleged “improper” relationship with Willis.
Wade, who is leading the election interference case against Trump and 18 others, is currently going through a contentious split with his estranged wife of 26 years, Joycelyn Wade. Last week, filings in Wade’s divorce case were unsealed, revealing that Joycelyn’s attorneys sought to depose Willis regarding their alleged affair.
The unsealed documents included bank statements showing that Wade had purchased plane tickets for himself and Willis, as well as payments for a Royal Caribbean cruise and luxury hotel stays. However, the documents did not provide direct evidence of an affair. Wade was also questioned about his drug and alcohol use, although he is not accused of substance abuse.
Joycelyn’s attorneys argued that the bank statements indicated that Willis was an intended travel partner, suggesting a romantic relationship between the two. They claimed that there was no reasonable explanation for their travels apart from a romantic relationship. Willis has neither confirmed nor denied the alleged relationship.
The affair allegations came to light earlier this month when Michael Roman’s lawyer, a co-defendant of Trump, accused Willis and Wade of engaging in an improper relationship and mishandling public money in a separate court filing. While no evidence of the alleged relationship was provided, Wade’s divorce case was cited as proof.
The lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, alleged that Willis’ purported relationship with Wade created a conflict of interest and that she benefited financially from the relationship through lavish vacations funded by Wade’s law firm. Records show that Wade has been paid nearly $654,000 in legal fees since January 2022, with authorization from Willis.
Joycelyn’s attorneys argue that Willis’ deposition is necessary to determine whether Wade has spent their client’s money on Willis. However, Willis fought the subpoena, claiming that she has no involvement in the divorce case and that any alleged affair is irrelevant. Her attorney argued that Joycelyn was using the civil discovery process to harass and oppress Willis.
A judge has put the deposition on hold until Nathan Wade can be heard from, as he has not been deposed yet. A hearing in the divorce case is scheduled for Wednesday, where Wade may be questioned about the alleged affair.
The investigation into DA Fani Willis and the alleged ethical and legal misconduct in the Trump cases adds another layer of complexity to an already controversial situation. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the ongoing legal proceedings and public perception of the individuals involved.
