In a stunning rebuke, a Fulton County judge has ordered District Attorney Fani Willis’ office to pay more than $54,000 in legal fees and produce documents it unlawfully withheld from an attorney representing one of Donald Trump’s co-defendants in Georgia’s election interference case. The ruling, issued Friday by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause, marks a critical blow to Willis amid mounting scrutiny over her handling of the high-profile prosecution.
Judge Calls DA’s Conduct ‘Vexatious’ and ‘Not in Good Faith’
Judge Krause ruled that Willis’ office must pay exactly $54,103.23 to the Merchant Law Firm, led by attorney Ashleigh Merchant. Merchant, who represents Trump’s Georgia co-defendant Michael Roman, alleged she faced deliberate obstruction when she began investigating Willis’ romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Merchant had sought multiple records from the DA’s office, including nondisclosure agreements for employees, a roster of attorneys hired by Willis since taking office, and payment records related to outside legal counsel and promotional expenses. The court found that Willis’ office failed to provide these materials, violating Georgia’s Open Records Act.
