Judge Issues Bombshell Decision on Disqualifying Fani Willis from Trump Election Fraud Case

Dennis Byron/Hip Hop Enquirer via AP

Judge Scott McAfee issued a split decision on Friday regarding the effort to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the RICO case involving former President Donald Trump: either she steps down, or lead prosecutor Nathan Wade does.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported:

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must either step aside or cut ties with her special prosecutor before the election interference case against Donald Trump can move forward, a judge ruled Friday.

In a much-anticipated decision, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said Willis must choose one of the two options to cure an appearance of impropriety fueled by her romantic relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade, who has billed more than $728,000 in legal fees to county taxpayers and helped pay for trips he took with the district attorney.

MSNBC’s Katie Phang had more details about Judge McAfee’s decision on Twitter/X:

Bottom line: either Willis steps aside, along with her entire office OR Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade withdraws. A decision must be made, per McAfee.

The Court found that there was NO evidence of an actual conflict of interest. However, he did find that the “prosecution is encumbered by an appearance of impropriety.” And “as long as Wade remains on the case, this unnecessary perception will persist.”

The Court “finds itself unable to place any stock” in the testimony of Terrence Bradley. McAfee also said Robin Yeartie’s testimony “lacked context and detail.” And he considered the Wade cellphone info but said it didn’t say conclusively when the relationship started.

Phang also said that per the order, “there was ‘no material financial benefit’ derived by Willis in hiring and engaging in a personal relationship with Wade.” McAfee also denied the motion to dismiss the indictment altogether.

The decision marks a partial victory for Willis and a loss for the Trump team, who moved to disqualify Willis when her personal relationship with Wade was called into question by Trump’s attorneys. In addition to the hearing regarding Willis and Wade, McAfee also dismissed six charges in the case against Trump and his codefendants in the Georgia election case.

This story is breaking and has been updated.

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