Trump To Attend Hearing In Georgia
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee announced Tuesday that he will continue with an evidentiary hearing on Thursday to consider a co-defendant’s motion calling for the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office from prosecuting the 2020 election interference case in Georgia, as well as the dropping of all charges against him.
This motion was filed by Michael Roman, a former Republican National Committee staffer, who alleged that Willis had an improper relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. He also accused Wade of being paid over $650,000 by the D.A.’s office and then benefiting financially from the relationship with Willis.
Judge McAfee stated that there is a possibility that the facts alleged by Roman could lead to disqualification and therefore an evidentiary hearing must take place to establish the record on these core allegations. He listed the main issues that will be explored during the hearing, including whether a relationship between Willis and Wade existed, whether it was romantic in nature, and when it formed. The judge also highlighted the importance of determining if the relationship continues to this day and if any personal benefit was conveyed as a result.
BREAKING: Donald Trump plans to attend a Thursday hearing in Atlanta on allegations that Fulton County DA Fani Willis engaged in an improper personal relationship with the lead prosecutor on the election interference case
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) February 13, 2024
However, Judge McAfee also made it clear that some of the arguments presented by Roman’s attorney may not be relevant to the case, such as Wade’s experience in handling racketeering cases. He stated that as long as a lawyer has a valid license to practice, their appointment falls within the discretion of the D.A.’s office. The judge also clarified that there have been no violations of Fulton County case law code found as of yet, which would be necessary for a successful motion to disqualify a prosecutor in a criminal case.
Anna Cross, an attorney for the Fulton County D.A., argued against the defense’s motions for witness testimony, stating that they were based on gossip rather than actual law. She also added that the prosecution’s brief from last week had already outlined that there is no basis for dismissing the indictment against Trump and his associates. Cross mentioned that among all the witnesses subpoenaed, there are none with relevant information that could sway the case in the defendant’s favor.
Using a political office to launder money to your lover while prosecuting a political opponent is RICO. Real RICO. Not this fake stuff we keep hearing about. https://t.co/BfpqWLiO6h
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) February 12, 2024
In August, a grand jury in Fulton County indicted former President Trump and several of his associates on charges of election fraud, racketeering, and other related offenses. So far, four out of the 19 charged have pleaded guilty, including three lawyers involved in the efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. The remaining defendants, including Trump, have pleaded not guilty.
The Trump case has drawn national attention as it is one of the first times a former U.S. President has been indicted on state criminal charges. The case has been closely followed by both Trump supporters and opponents, with many viewing it as a test of the country’s justice system and the ability to hold high-profile politicians accountable.
🚨 BREAKING: Trump plans to attend Georgia hearing on misconduct allegations against Fani Willis
Master Troll pic.twitter.com/VIU0xO3D2C
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 13, 2024
Thursday’s evidentiary hearing is expected to shed more light on the alleged relationship between Willis and Wade, as well as address the defense’s arguments for the disqualification of the Fulton County D.A.’s office and the dropping of all charges against the defendants. Judge McAfee will also rule on whether or not to quash the subpoenas for Willis, Wade, and other witnesses to testify.
The outcome of this hearing could have major implications for the Trump case and the larger conversation surrounding election integrity in the United States. It remains to be seen how it will play out in court, but both sides are preparing to present their best arguments as they fight for their respective positions.