Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing scrutiny from the Georgia State Senate Special Committee over allegations of misusing taxpayer money during her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis has indicated that she will not testify before the committee, stating that she has not broken any laws and will not participate in anything she deems unlawful.
The special investigation panel has been looking into the expenses incurred by Willis’ office for prosecuting the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants, as well as the lack of oversight over the district attorney’s office by other government entities. The committee has issued a subpoena for the testimony of Michael Roman’s defense attorney, who raised concerns about the relationship between Willis and Wade earlier this year.
Republican state Sen. Bill Cowsert, the chairman of the special committee, has stated that Willis will be compelled to provide testimony if she does not come in voluntarily. He has threatened to hold her in contempt if she refuses to comply with a future subpoena. The lieutenant governor has also emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, indicating that everyone should be treated equally under the law.
Nathan Wade resigned from the Trump case in March after a judge issued an ultimatum, requiring him or Willis to step aside in order for the case to proceed. Both Willis and Wade have confirmed that they were in a romantic relationship but have maintained that it only became official in 2022 after the case against Trump had already been initiated. However, Willis’ office reportedly paid Wade a substantial amount of money in 2022 for his work on the election interference case.
The findings of the state Senate investigation will be used to inform potential legislative actions, which could include enacting laws to increase accountability and oversight of the district attorney’s office. Republican officials have stressed the importance of accountability and equal treatment under the law, indicating that Willis must comply with the committee’s requests or face potential legal consequences. Willis’ refusal to testify has sparked tensions between her office and the special committee, raising questions about the extent of her involvement in the Trump case and the use of taxpayer funds.