A potential key witness in the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others is expected to return to the witness stand as the judge considers an effort to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with a top prosecutor. Terrence Bradley, a former law partner of special prosecutor Nathan Wade, cited attorney-client privilege during an evidentiary hearing, but Judge Scott McAfee ruled that some communications were not privileged. The timing of Willis and Wade’s relationship has become a central issue, with defense attorneys seeking to have them removed from the case due to a conflict of interest.
Bradley’s testimony could be crucial in undermining Willis and Wade’s claims about when their romantic relationship began. The prosecutors testified that they didn’t start dating until after Wade was hired as special prosecutor in November 2021, but evidence has raised doubts about the accuracy of their testimony. A former friend of Willis testified that she saw the pair hugging and kissing before Wade was hired, and cellphone location data shows Wade visited the neighborhood where Willis lived frequently before his hiring.
Judge McAfee has scheduled arguments on whether Willis and her office should be removed from the case, which would be a significant development in the ongoing legal battle against Trump and 18 others accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. Four individuals have pleaded guilty, while Trump and the remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty. The effort to disqualify Willis and Wade began with a motion filed by one of the defendants, alleging improper payments and a pre-existing romantic relationship between the prosecutors.
During the evidentiary hearing, Bradley acknowledged communicating with Willis’s attorney as she investigated the relationship, but declined to answer further questions, frustrating defense attorneys. If Willis is disqualified, a new attorney would need to be appointed to handle the case, potentially delaying the trial until after the 2022 election. The case against Trump and the other defendants is one of the most significant criminal cases involving the former president, and the outcome of the legal battle could have far-reaching implications.
Overall, the legal proceedings surrounding the Georgia election interference case have been marked by questions about the relationship between the prosecutors, potential conflicts of interest, and the timing of key events. The testimony of Bradley, as well as other witnesses and evidence presented in court, will play a crucial role in determining the future of the case and whether Willis and Wade will continue to lead the prosecution. The outcome of the arguments scheduled by Judge McAfee will have a significant impact on the trajectory of the case and the potential implications for the defendants involved.
