Georgia prosecutor Nathan Wade, a key figure in the Trump election interference case, is under scrutiny for ethical misconduct. Bank records have revealed that Wade paid for at least two airline trips with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis during his investigation. This raises ethical questions as Ms. Willis is suspected of violating rules of professional conduct by accepting gifts from Mr. Wade, her employee and alleged boyfriend.
Trump co-defendant Michael Roman has accused Mr. Wade of having an affair with Ms. Willis. He said,
“Mr. Wade took vacations with Ms. Willis and earned more than $650,000 in taxpayer money over the past two years.”
The bank statements, which were filed as part of Wade’s ongoing divorce case, show that he purchased round-trip tickets for Ms. Willis from Atlanta to San Francisco in April and from Atlanta to Miami in October 2022. However, the statements do not disclose whether Ms. Willis reimbursed Mr. Wade for the tickets or explain the purpose of the trips.
This lack of transparency has added fuel to the speculations about an improper personal relationship between Ms. Willis and Mr. Wade.
The allegations against Ms. Willis and Mr. Wade have taken center stage in the politically charged Trump case.
“Joycelyn Wade has conspired with interested parties in the criminal Election Interference Case to use the civil discovery process to annoy, embarrass, and oppress,” her attorney wrote.
These allegations have led to a legal firestorm, with a hearing on the matter set for Feb. 15. In the Trump criminal case, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee will hear arguments next month on Mr. Roman’s request to dismiss the indictment or remove Mr. Wade, Ms. Willis and the district attorney’s office from the case.
In the midst of these allegations, Mr. Wade filed for divorce from his wife of 26 years, Joycelyn, the day after Ms. Willis hired him in 2021. The divorce proceedings have been marked by acrimony, with a judge holding Mr. Wade in contempt for failing to turn over financial information.
Ms. Willis, on the other hand, has defended herself against the allegations, describing them as an “attempt to harass and damage her professional reputation,” according to a motion filed by her private attorney to avoid testifying in the divorce case.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis defended herself at a Jan. 14 church service in Atlanta. She didn’t name Mr. Wade but praised him as a “superstar, great friend and great lawyer.” She suggested the allegations were racially motivated because Mr. Roman singled out the Black prosecutor in the case but not the two White prosecutors.
As the story unfolds, the focus now shifts to the upcoming hearing in the Trump case and the potential implications of these revelations on the outcome of the investigation. With the spotlight firmly on them, both Ms. Willis and Mr. Wade will undoubtedly face increased scrutiny in the days to come.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries in professional relationships, particularly when they intersect with high-stakes political cases. As the legal proceedings continue, the public will be watching closely for further developments.
