(BrightPress.org) – Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis was not removed from the case prosecuting Donald Trump for election interference. Judge Scott McAfee of Fulton Superior Court ruled that Willis could continue leading the prosecution if Nathan J. Wade agreed to withdraw from the case.
Attorneys for Donald Trump had sought for Willis to be removed for a conflict of interest because she hired Wade as a special prosecutor on the case while the two were involved romantically. Judge McAfee found a “middle path” between removing Willis and full vindication. According to McAfee, having Willis choose between remaining on the case or having Wade step aside is a “less drastic” and a “more remedial option” than having Willis removed.
Accusations were made that Willis hired Wade to assist on the case because the two were involved in a romantic relationship and then profited from Wade’s earnings. The two took vacations together, paid for by Wade. Both Willis and Wade argued that they were not involved romantically until after Wade was already working for Willis and that Willis reimbursed Wade for vacation costs in cash.
During the hearing, Wade became heated with the defense lawyers. Judge McAfee warned all parties to “preserve decorum.” In Judge McAfee’s 23-page ruling, he called Willis’ behavior during the hearing “unprofessional” and her decision to enter into a romantic relationship with Mr. Wade a “tremendous lapse in judgment.”
Mr. Wade submitted his resignation immediately after Judge McAfee ruled on the case.
Steven Sadow, attorney for Trump disagreed with McAfee’s ruling saying the judge
did not afford “appropriate significance” to the misconduct of Willis and Wade.
The case against Trump will continue but has been delayed due to Willis’s controversial actions. Further delays could occur if Trump and his attorneys appeal the ruling. Mr. Sadow strongly suggested they would seek to appeal. If an appeal is allowed immediately, Trump’s interference case could be suspended for months to allow time for the appeals process.
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