Fani Willis funds Trump prosecution with private attorney: ‘Unconventional move’
Fulton County District Attorney Pays Private Attorneys for Trump Investigation
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has made substantial payments to private sector attorneys for their services, including the investigation and prosecution of former President Donald Trump, according to county records.
Lead Prosecutor Earns Over Half a Million Dollars
Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor in the case, has received more than half a million dollars from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office between January 2022 and August 2023, according to payment history.
Colleague at Wade & Campbell Firm Also Receives Payment
Christopher Campbell, Wade’s colleague at Wade & Campbell Firm, has been paid $116,670 from April 2021 to August 2023, as shown in the records.
Former Colleague of Wade’s Receives Payment
Terrence Bradley, a former colleague of Wade’s, received $74,480 from May 2021 to June 2022, according to the records.
Wade, a defense attorney who bills by the hour, was chosen by Willis to serve as special prosecutor in the Trump case. This decision has been deemed “unorthodox” by some, including Atlanta-based attorney Phil Holloway.
“It’s certainly unorthodox and appears to be a cash cow for any lawyer paid by the hour,” Holloway said. “I’ve been practicing criminal law in Georgia for 24 years, and I’ve never seen such an arrangement.”
Willis began investigating Trump in February 2021 and recently indicted him and 18 co-defendants on racketeering charges related to the alleged illegal overturning of the 2020 election in Georgia.
One of the co-defendants, former Georgia GOP Chairman David Shafer, raised concerns about the payments to private prosecutors in a court filing, citing an advertisement from Wade’s firm that offered defense services to individuals facing charges, including the charge leveled against Shafer.
Aside from the advertisement issue, Holloway pointed out that Wade’s role as outsourced counsel allows him to avoid certain obligations and requirements that public servants typically have.
“For starters, it avoids the statutory requirements for the appointment of assistant district attorneys, who are paid a fixed salary, and also avoids the administration of an oath of office,” Holloway said. “The oath of office is intended to protect the public from malfeasance by public officials and carries a criminal penalty if violated.”
These payments to Wade and his firm have drawn attention from defense attorney Andrew Fleischman, who expressed concern about the high costs and the backlog of cases in the district attorney’s office.
While some individuals familiar with the situation have questioned the use of private attorneys and the associated costs, Willis has not responded to requests for comment.
It is worth noting that Wade was brought on by Willis after other candidates declined the position, and he had previously mentored her during her time as chief magistrate judge in South Fulton.
Read Shafer’s motion request here.
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