ATLANTA, Georgia – Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing scrutiny over her appointment of Nathan Wade to lead her election interference case against former President Donald Trump. A new book titled “FIND ME THE VOTES: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election” by Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman details the events surrounding the case. Willis has been accused of having an affair with Wade, creating questions about the selection process and the credibility of the case.
Initially, Willis approached Roy Barnes, a former governor of Georgia, to serve as senior counsel on the case, but he declined. She then attempted to enlist Gabe Banks, a well-respected Atlanta criminal defense lawyer, but he too turned down the offer. Both cited concerns about the all-consuming nature of the case and the potential threats that would come with it.
Ultimately, Willis turned to Wade, a friend and mentor whom she believed had the necessary toughness to handle the legal battle. Wade, however, had limited experience in criminal law, primarily dealing with misdemeanor and traffic cases. Nonetheless, he took on the role of organizing the investigation, running the grand jury process, and negotiating immunity deals.
Recent allegations have brought attention to the alleged affair between Willis and Wade. A court filing on behalf of one of Trump’s co-defendants claimed that Willis paid Wade over $650,000 for his work on the case and that some of that money was used for trips they took together. While there is currently no concrete proof of these allegations, they have raised concerns about potential favoritism and compromised judgement.
The reputation of Wade as a lawyer in Georgia is disputed, with some praising his performance during the grand jury process and others questioning his qualifications. As the case continues to unfold, the allegations against Willis and the doubts surrounding Wade’s abilities are likely to have a significant impact.
Willis has defended her decision to hire Wade and has suggested that criticism of her choice may be motivated by racism. She pointed out his extensive experience as a judge, private attorney, prosecutor, criminal defense lawyer, and special attorney general. However, the allegations of an affair and misuse of taxpayer funds have raised doubts about her judgment and the integrity of the case.
As the investigation into election interference continues, the revelations surrounding Willis and Wade’s relationship may have far-reaching consequences. The case itself, which has already faced challenges, is now further complicated by the scrutiny of the lead prosecutor and questions about her decision-making process. The full extent of the impact on the outcome of the case remains to be seen.