Atlanta, Georgia – An Atlanta judge is set to assess whether Fulton county prosecutors involved in the case against Donald Trump and his associates had a romantic relationship that could result in their disqualification from the case. The hearing is expected to last over two days and could have significant implications for the criminal case against the former president.
At the center of the hearing is Trump’s co-defendant, Michael Roman, who is seeking to disqualify Fulton county District Attorney Fani Willis and her deputy Nathan Wade due to their alleged romantic relationship. If successful, this could lead to the disqualification of the entire district attorney’s office, throwing the prosecution into disarray.
The district attorney’s office has vehemently denied the claim, arguing that there was no conflict of interest and no financial benefit resulting from the romantic relationship. Judge Scott McAfee allowed the hearing to proceed, stating that disqualification could occur if evidence is produced demonstrating an actual conflict or the appearance of one.
The hearing is expected to delve into several key issues related to the conflict of interest question, including whether there was any financial benefit from hiring Wade, the timeline of the romantic relationship, and whether it was ongoing. Witnesses, including former partner Terrence Bradley, will be called to testify in open court under oath.
The allegations of the romantic relationship first emerged in a motion filed by Roman’s lawyer, which accused Willis of engaging in self-dealing with Wade and alleged financial benefits from their relationship. However, the filing provided no concrete evidence to support the claims. It was only on February 2nd that the district attorney’s office acknowledged the romantic relationship between Willis and Wade, but denied any financial benefit.
Legal experts have suggested that the evidence presented so far does not demonstrate an actual conflict of interest, but the case has the potential to have significant implications for the prosecution. The allegations have also become political, with Trump dismissing the case as scandal-plagued and part of a political witch-hunt.