Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee stated that disqualification is “possible” for prosecutor Fani Willis in the case against former President Donald Trump due to her admitted relationship with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade.
The judge emphasized the need to establish the existence and extent of any financial benefit resulting from the relationship.
“I think it’s clear that disqualification can occur if evidence is produced demonstrating an actual conflict or the appearance of one,” McAfee said.
Despite Willis’ attempt to prevent Wade’s testimony, the judge ruled that Wade and Willis, among others, will have to testify. Willis’ legal team protested, arguing against what they deemed as “wild speculation” and “gossip” presented by the defense.
“The state has admitted a relationship existed. And so what remains to be proven is the existence and extent of any financial benefit, again if there even was one. And so because I think its possible that the facts alleged by the defendant could result in disqualification, I think an evidentiary hearing must occur to establish the record on those core allegations,” McAfee said.
“I think the issues at point here are whether a relationship existed, whether that relationship was romantic or non-romantic in nature, when it formed, and whether it continues. And that’s only relevant because it’s in combination with the question of the existence and extent of any personal benefit conveyed as a result of their relationship,” he added.
“What they would say they would not in any way support the wild speculation that was included in this motion,” prosecutor Anna Cross said.
“This is a serious case. These are serious charges,” she added. “The defense is bringing you gossip … and the court should not condone that practice.”
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