A key development in the disqualification hearing of Fulton County DA Fani Willis saw her defense attorney stunned into silence by Judge Scott McAfee.
Multiple witnesses have testified Willis’ relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade began before he was hired for the Trump case, contrary to Willis and Wade’s sworn statements.
Willis is also accused of misusing funds and screaming at attorneys. During closing arguments, Judge McAfee repeatedly pressed Willis’ attorney to explain how the law applies when seeking disqualification, leaving the attorney speechless at one point.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Adam Abbate said, “What I would say is, [the complaint] misstates the law, as it relates to what the law – what is required for an elected district attorney and their office to be disqualified.
Judge McAfee said, “Let’s go back to that. Show me how.”
McAfee said, “Certainly a conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety, may be the grounds for disqualification.”
“Well, I think they acknowledge that there’s some ambiguity here that sometimes Whitworth and Whitworth gets cited of insurer and we’ve got this quote that comes up where it’s just they only cite to an actual conflict that must be involved. They acknowledge the ambiguity. They acknowledge the ambiguity. You’re saying there’s no ambiguity whatsoever,” he continued.
Elsewhere, Willis’ team tried to downplay testimony against her and a Napa trip with Wade, while Trump’s attorneys appeared skeptical.
Abbate said, “Most people, when they go to Napa, when they want to lavishly experience Napa, stay at the Ritz Carlton, the Four Seasons, things of that nature. Not a Doubletree.”
“It’s a desperate attempt to remove a prosecutor from a case for absolutely no reason, your honor. Other than harassment, and embarrassment,” continued Abbate.
The hearing concluded without a ruling but the judge will decide on disqualification within two weeks.
Conflicting testimony has raised legal and ethical questions around Willis’ conduct of the Trump investigation.
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