The judge presiding over the Georgia election interference case involving former President Donald Trump has expressed the possibility of disqualification for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis if evidence emerges suggesting financial benefits from the case. A hearing, scheduled for Thursday, will proceed to address these allegations.
During a recent hearing, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee discussed the necessity for testimonies from Willis, prosecutor Nathan Wade, and others involved. Michael Roman, a co-defendant of Trump, initiated the motion seeking dismissal of election charges against him and disqualification of Willis, alleging a personal relationship between Willis and Wade resulting in financial gain.
While Willis admitted to the relationship, she denied any financial conflict of interest. Judge McAfee emphasized the need to establish the facts surrounding the alleged financial benefit to determine potential disqualification.
The judge considered allowing testimony from subpoenaed witnesses, including Willis and Wade, acknowledging the defense’s relevance claims. However, McAfee deferred a final ruling until Thursday’s hearing.
Fulton County prosecutor Anna Cross argued for quashing the subpoenas, dismissing the allegations as unfounded speculation. She countered that costs incurred during travel were evenly split and posed no financial conflict.
Roman’s attorney contended that witnesses possess relevant information, particularly alleging that the personal relationship predates Wade’s involvement in the case.
Willis and Wade, along with others, sought to quash subpoenas, denouncing them as harassment and disruption. Willis argued against compelling testimony, labeling the accusations reckless and lacking factual basis.
Trump, a defendant in the case, joined efforts to disqualify Willis, citing alleged ethical violations. He and Roman, along with others, pleaded not guilty to charges related to attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.
Four defendants have since accepted plea deals in exchange for cooperating as witnesses.