She wanted "triple confirmation" that she had the goods on Trump's prosecutor. Then she struck.
Atlanta Journal-Constituition metro columnist Bill Torpy spoke to Ashleigh Merchant, the defense attorney for one of Trump's co-defendants, Michael Roman, about last week's motion filled with allegations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The suit alleges Willis hired "her boyfriend" to the team. It's a gig the defendant claims earned her more than a half-million dollars.
"I waited (to file the motion); there was a reason,” Merchant told Torpy, describing it as an “improper, clandestine personal relationship."
She added: “I wanted all the goods. I wanted triple confirmation."
“I started investigating this in August, interviewing witnesses and making public record requests. I just wanted to see why there was a special prosecutor.”
When she asked people in Willis' office if she and Wade were an item, Merchant recalled, "They said, ‘I thought everyone knew.'"
Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner has said that the attack is another way for Trump to try his case in public rather than in court.
Wade’s reportedly charges $250 per hour and has racked up more than $700,000 in fees.
Torpy notes that Wade is pulling far more than Willis, whose salary is determined by the county.
"By comparison, his boss makes just $198,000," Torpy writes.
The allegations came to light in the motion for her client Roman, who is attempting to dismiss the case and oust Willis.
Roman is a former Trump campaign operative and ex-White House aide who is charged along with 18 others, including the former president. Some, however, have already worked out plea deals.
Trump is reportedly seeking "more dirt" on Willis, Rolling Stone revealed last week.
The court filing says Willis engaged in a romance with Wade, and questioned his qualifications.
Merchant noted that she and Willis have a history that tracks back decades when they used to face off against each other in the county over homicide cases, according to Torpy.
On Sunday, Willis broke her silence during an appearance at the Big Bethel AME Church during a service honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
"I appointed three special counselors. It's my right to do. Paid them all the same hourly rate," Willis told the church crowd. "They only attack one. I hired one white woman: a good personal friend and great lawyer, a superstar, I tell you. I hired one white man: brilliant, my friend, and a great lawyer. And I hired one Black man, another superstar, a great friend, and a great lawyer."
Merchant hit back, citing the blaring contrast between the other hires.
“The biggest difference between Ms. Cross, Mr. Floyd and Mr. Wade is that Ms. Willis is not in a relationship with Ms. Cross and Mr. Floyd,” she told Torpy.
A state judge in Georgia is scheduling a hearing to investigate the new affair allegations about Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade, The Messenger reported on Friday.
