The recent revelations surrounding the alleged misconduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade have sparked a firestorm of controversy. Cell phone data suggests that Willis and Wade may have lied under oath, which could lead to severe consequences for both of them.
Phone records indicate that Wade’s phone was in Willis’ neighborhood for an extended time on “a minimum of 35 occasions,” contradicting his testimony that he visited her condo less than 10 times. Phone records also indicate that Wade was at or near Willis’s home late at night for several hours on two occasions. This revelation undermines Willis’ claim that Wade never spent the night at her residence. If the court finds that they have lied under oath, Willis and Wade could face charges and potential disbarment.
The sheer number of texts and phone calls exchanged between the two (over 2000 voice calls and just under 12,000 text messages in 2021) further calls into question the timeline of their relationship. They have insisted that their relationship began in 2022, after Wade’s contract started, but the phone records suggest otherwise.
Legal experts have weighed in on the potential consequences of this situation. Atlanta-based defense attorney Andrew Fleischman has stated that there may be “substantial political pressure for real consequences” if they are found to have lied, and the Georgia House could launch an investigation. The Fulton County Commissioners may also look into financial misconduct.
The phone records may also force Judge Scott McAfee to call into question the entire testimony of both Wade and Willis, particularly their claim that Willis reimbursed Wade in cash for vacation expenses. (The couple has almost no evidence that these alleged reimbursements ever occurred.) This could lead the judge to refer them for disciplinary proceedings or possible charges.
The potential consequences for felony perjury in Georgia include a fine of up to $1,000 or a prison sentence of up to 10 years. This underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.
Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer during the George W. Bush administration, has stated that a district attorney who lies under oath “shouldn’t be trying” any case before the court. George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley has also weighed in, writing on X that there is “clearly a growing appearance of impropriety and possible conflicts of interest.”
The controversy surrounding Fani Willis and Nathan Wade is a significant development that could have far-reaching consequences. If it is determined that they lied under oath, they could face severe penalties, including disbarment and possible imprisonment. This case underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal system and ensuring that those who hold positions of power are held accountable for their actions.
