A Georgia judge has handed a significant victory to former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants, paving the way for an immediate hearing to assess whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be ousted from their ongoing case over potential perjury.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has granted a “certificate of immediate review” to Trump’s legal team, signifying that their motion to disqualify Willis “is of such importance to the case that immediate review should be had,” as per a legal filing posted online. Willis and her legal team now have the chance to seek an appeals court’s intervention to overturn McAfee’s ruling.
In addition, Judge McAfee clarified that he will continue addressing other pretrial motions while awaiting a review of Willis’s qualifications.
“The Court intends to continue addressing the many other unrelated pending pretrial motions, regardless of whether the petition is granted within 45 days of filing,” he stated.
This latest development deals another blow to Willis, who recently faced an ultimatum to recuse herself or accept the resignation of her romantic partner and fellow prosecutor, Nathan Wade. Their relationship came under scrutiny after defense attorneys suggested that Willis may have hired Wade under questionable circumstances, alleging nepotism and a conflict of interest.
During her testimony, Willis claimed that her involvement with Wade began after he was hired in 2021 for the Trump investigation. However, her assertions were challenged by a former friend and Wade’s previous divorce attorney, both of whom indicated that the affair predated Wade’s employment.
If these allegations hold true, Willis could be facing charges of perjury, jeopardizing not only her role in the case but also facing potential disbarment and removal from office. The revelation of her affair with Wade has prompted a Georgia panel to investigate whether state prosecutors are upholding their oaths of office, with legal experts suggesting that her law license may be at risk.
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