In a recent development in the Fulton County case involving District Attorney Fani Willis and the Department of Justice’s criminal inquiry into Boeing, a Georgia judge has ruled that Willis must either step aside from the case against former President Donald Trump or fire special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The ruling came after evidence was presented by lawyers for the co-defendants in the 2020 election interference case, who accused Willis of having an “improper” affair with Wade.
The co-defendants alleged that Willis benefited financially by hiring Wade due to their pre-existing relationship and their shared vacations. However, both Wade and Willis denied being in a romantic relationship prior to his hiring and stated that they split the costs of their trips, with Willis reimbursing Wade in cash.
Last month, Judge Scott McAfee held a two-day evidentiary hearing where the defense aimed to expose a money trail that would demonstrate Willis’s conflict of interest in the case against Trump. Willis and Wade maintained that their relationship started in 2022, after Wade was hired. However, Robin Yeartie, a former “good friend” of Willis and past employee at the DA’s office, contradicted their testimony, stating that she had “no doubt” their relationship began in 2019.
Yeartie testified to witnessing Willis and Wade engaging in hugging, kissing, and displaying affection prior to November 2021. She was confident that the two were involved in a romantic relationship starting in 2019, which was the last time she spoke with Willis in 2022. Willis dismissed Yeartie’s testimony, stating that she no longer considers Yeartie to be a friend.
During the two-day proceeding, Willis’s own testimony drew attention for its confrontational nature. She engaged in verbal sparring with lawyers for hours and even prompted the judge to threaten to strike her testimony. Additionally, she raised eyebrows by appearing to wear her dress backward.
Terrence Bradley, a former law partner of Nathan Wade and a divorce lawyer, testified about what he knew regarding Willis’s and Wade’s relationship. Under oath, Bradley claimed to have difficulty recalling details and timelines of conversations he had with Wade about his romantic involvement with Willis. Attorney Ashleigh Merchant referenced text messages between her and Bradley, where Bradley stated that he believed the relationship started before Willis hired Wade in 2021.
In a ruling issued on Wednesday, Judge McAfee dismissed six counts in the Georgia election interference case against Trump and his co-defendants. The judge determined that the state failed to provide sufficient detail for the “solicitation of violation of oath by public officer” charges.
This latest development adds further complexity to the ongoing case and raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications for both former President Trump and the individuals involved in the case remain uncertain.
