Georgia judge temporarily halts deposition of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in divorce case of key prosecutor in 2020 election interference case against former President Trump. Divorce gained attention due to claims of inappropriate romantic relationship, undermining credibility of district attorney's office's racketeering indictment.
Andrea Hastings, a lawyer representing Wade's estranged wife, argued on Monday that Willis possesses valuable insights into Wade's marriage. Hastings emphasized that Willis' role as district attorney should not shield her from sharing this information, as it is crucial in the fair division of the Wades' marital assets. Earlier this month, Willis was called to testify in the ongoing divorce case between Wade and his wife, Joycelyn, which started in 2021.
"Willis is attempting to conceal herself behind the protection of her role," remarked Hastings. According to Willis's lawyer, Cinque Axam, Wade could potentially provide the same information that Willis is seeking.
"You have two partners in the case, one who is accused of having an extramarital affair with Ms. Willis," Axam argued. "If that's the case, if it's true, Wade possesses that information."
"There are alternative methods to obtain that information in this particular situation," he stated. According to Axam, Willis and Wade do not have any joint bank accounts, and Willis does not have control over how Wade spends his money, regardless of its source.
In recent court filings, Wade's wife alleged that Wade had bought several flights for himself and Willis leading up to the charges against Trump and 18 others. These charges revolve around the alleged attempt to undermine the state's 2020 election results. The documents contain bank statements that seem to indicate trips to San Francisco and Miami while the Fulton County district attorney's office was conducting an investigation into Trump and his associates.
Judge Henry Thompson decided not to excuse Willis from being deposed in the future, but he did temporarily postpone the requirement until after Wade has been deposed.
"I believe that I can only make a decision about the proposed opponent's unique knowledge on these issues after I have listened to Mr. Wade's perspective," Thompson stated.
Thompson has also agreed to unseal documents pertaining to Wade's divorce, as it was discovered that the initial order to seal the case was not correctly entered. Ashleigh Merchant, Roman's lawyer, brought the matter to the court's attention. Additionally, a group of media outlets has submitted a request to make the records public.
Roman, the defendant who initially raised concerns about the alleged relationship, has requested that a judge dismiss the case against him and prevent Willis, Wade, and the Fulton County district attorney's office from any further involvement in the matter. The district attorney's office has consistently chosen not to provide any comments regarding the allegations of romance, stating that they will address the matter through court documents.
Judge Scott McAfee, presiding over Trump's case, has directed Willis to respond to the allegations in written form by February 2nd. McAfee has also set a hearing date for February 15th to address the issue.
Andrea Hastings, a lawyer representing Wade's estranged wife, argued on Monday that Willis possesses valuable insights into Wade's marriage. Hastings emphasized that Willis' role as district attorney should not shield her from sharing this information, as it is crucial in the fair division of the Wades' marital assets. Earlier this month, Willis was called to testify in the ongoing divorce case between Wade and his wife, Joycelyn, which started in 2021.
"Willis is attempting to conceal herself behind the protection of her role," remarked Hastings. According to Willis's lawyer, Cinque Axam, Wade could potentially provide the same information that Willis is seeking.
"You have two partners in the case, one who is accused of having an extramarital affair with Ms. Willis," Axam argued. "If that's the case, if it's true, Wade possesses that information."
"There are alternative methods to obtain that information in this particular situation," he stated. According to Axam, Willis and Wade do not have any joint bank accounts, and Willis does not have control over how Wade spends his money, regardless of its source.
In recent court filings, Wade's wife alleged that Wade had bought several flights for himself and Willis leading up to the charges against Trump and 18 others. These charges revolve around the alleged attempt to undermine the state's 2020 election results. The documents contain bank statements that seem to indicate trips to San Francisco and Miami while the Fulton County district attorney's office was conducting an investigation into Trump and his associates.
Judge Henry Thompson decided not to excuse Willis from being deposed in the future, but he did temporarily postpone the requirement until after Wade has been deposed.
"I believe that I can only make a decision about the proposed opponent's unique knowledge on these issues after I have listened to Mr. Wade's perspective," Thompson stated.
Thompson has also agreed to unseal documents pertaining to Wade's divorce, as it was discovered that the initial order to seal the case was not correctly entered. Ashleigh Merchant, Roman's lawyer, brought the matter to the court's attention. Additionally, a group of media outlets has submitted a request to make the records public.
Roman, the defendant who initially raised concerns about the alleged relationship, has requested that a judge dismiss the case against him and prevent Willis, Wade, and the Fulton County district attorney's office from any further involvement in the matter. The district attorney's office has consistently chosen not to provide any comments regarding the allegations of romance, stating that they will address the matter through court documents.
Judge Scott McAfee, presiding over Trump's case, has directed Willis to respond to the allegations in written form by February 2nd. McAfee has also set a hearing date for February 15th to address the issue.
