There is a dramatic twist to the ongoing Georgia racketeering (RICO) case against former President Donald Trump and associates.
A co-defendant in the case, Michael Roman, has accused Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of engaging in an “improper, clandestine personal relationship” with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Roman, a senior staff member for Trump’s 2020 campaign, claims the alleged relationship has compromised the integrity of the case.
Roman’s defense motion, spanning 127 pages, demands the dismissal of charges against him and seeks to bar Willis and Wade from further involvement in the trial.
The motion accuses Willis of improperly appointing Wade and alleges that the prosecutors have been profiting personally from the case, potentially violating ethical standards and legal obligations.
The defense argues that the alleged relationship between Willis and Wade has resulted in substantial income for the special prosecutor, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh B. Merchant, contends that the district attorney used COVID-19-related funds for the prosecution and accuses her of diverting money intended to clear case backlogs in Fulton County.
The filing further claims that Willis and Wade traveled together to various destinations, including Napa Valley, Florida, and the Caribbean, suggesting a personal relationship beyond professional collaboration.
Roman asserts that the alleged impropriety has compromised his due process and fair trial rights, violating constitutional principles and professional ethical standards.
The unfolding controversy adds a layer of complexity to the high-profile case, potentially influencing the court’s assessment of the prosecution’s legitimacy.
As the legal drama continues, questions about the alleged relationship’s impact on the judicial process are likely to take center stage in the courtroom.
