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ATLANTA (AP) — A former friend and coworker of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testified Thursday that Willis’ personal relationship with a special prosecutor began before he was hired in the election interference case. of Georgia against Donald Trump.
Robin Yeartie’s testimony directly contradicts Willis and Wade’s statements that their personal relationship did not begin until after Wade was hired in November 2021. Yeartie was called to testify at a hearing to determine whether Willis should be removed from the case he accuses Trump and others of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Yeartie, who previously worked in the district attorney’s office, testified that he saw Wade and Willis hugging and kissing before November 2021.
In a court filing earlier this month, Willis and Wade acknowledged a “personal relationship” but said it had not resulted in any direct or indirect financial benefit to the district attorney. In an affidavit attached to the filing, Wade said the relationship began in 2022, after he was hired as a special prosecutor, and that he and Willis shared travel expenses and never lived together.
READ MORE: Trump’s New York hush money case will have trial date in March, judge rules
Willis’ removal would be a surprising development in the most extensive of the four criminal cases against Trump. A further delay would likely reduce the chance of a trial being held before the November election, when he is expected to be the Republican presidential nominee.
Since allegations of an inappropriate relationship emerged last month in a motion filed by Trump’s co-defendant Michael Roman, the former president has used them to try to sow doubt about the legitimacy of Willis’ case. Other Republicans have cited them in calling for an investigation of Willis, a Democrat running for re-election this year.
In a separate hearing in New York on Thursday, a judge ruled that Trump’s hush money criminal case will go forward as scheduled and jury selection will begin March 25.
Yeartie’s testimony began after a lengthy argument between attorneys over who should answer questions at the hearing, which has the potential to delve into uncomfortable details of Willis and Wade’s relationship.
Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, has subpoenaed Willis, Wade, seven other employees of the district attorney’s office and others, including Wade’s former business partner, Terrence Bradley. Bradley took the witness stand early Thursday but refused to answer Merchant’s questions, citing attorney-client privilege.
Roman, a former Trump campaign staffer and former White House aide, alleged that Willis and Wade had been involved in an inappropriate romantic relationship that began before Wade was hired. The motion says Willis paid Wade large sums for his work and then personally benefited when he paid for their vacations, creating a conflict of interest.
Roman, who has since been joined by Trump and several other co-defendants, is asking McAfee to dismiss the indictment and bar Willis, Wade and their offices from further involvement in the case.
Willis argued that she has no financial or personal conflict of interest that would justify removing her or her office from the case. Her filing called the allegations “lewd” and said they were designed to generate headlines.
McAfee said during a hearing Monday that Willis could be disqualified “if evidence is presented demonstrating a real conflict or the appearance of one.”
He said the questions he wants to explore at the hearing are “whether a relationship existed, whether that relationship was romantic or non-romantic in nature, when it was formed and whether it continues.” Those questions are only relevant, she said, “in combination with the question of the existence and extent of any personal benefits conveyed as a result of the relationship.”
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