Atlanta, Georgia – A motion filed by a defendant, Michael Roman, has brought to light allegations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade, threatening to cast a shadow over a high-profile case involving the former president, Donald Trump. The motion alleges that Willis, due to her romantic relationship with Wade, has a financial interest in the case, calling for her disqualification from prosecuting it. Additionally, it claims that the felony charges against Roman should be dropped.
The Fulton Superior Court Judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for February 15 to address these allegations, giving Willis until the day of the hearing to respond. Roman’s lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, has subpoenaed various individuals and entities, including Willis, Wade, and travel companies, in an effort to gather evidence to support the allegations.
In response to the motion, the DA’s office asserted that the attempt to disqualify Willis is a manufactured conflict, emphasizing the purely personal nature of her relationship with Wade. The filing also criticized the subpoena of personal and financial records, characterizing it as an intrusion into the personal lives of the prosecution team.
Willis and Wade have admitted to their personal relationship, clarifying that it began in 2022, after Wade was hired to lead the Trump case in November 2021. They have denied any improper financial benefit for Willis from Wade’s appointment and compensation, countering the claim of a conflict of interest.
The state’s response further rebuked the defense’s attempt to draw parallels with other lawyers’ personal relationships, citing historical precedents that established such relationships do not necessarily constitute conflicts of interest. The response also addressed the assertion that Wade’s legal career had been disparaged, defending his professional credentials and character.
Merchant, in a reply filing, raised questions about the timeline of the relationship between Willis and Wade, alleging that they had intentionally concealed details about their living arrangements. Additionally, Trump’s lead Atlanta attorney, Steve Sadow, criticized Willis for omitting key information from her response and accused her of making inflammatory remarks at a public event.
The response filed by Willis and her deputies also addressed the financial aspects of Wade’s appointment, justifying his higher compensation based on the complexity and scope of his work. This ongoing legal drama has become a focal point for political and public scrutiny, with various parties utilizing the allegations to challenge the credibility of the case.