“This lack of a confirmed financial split creates the possibility and appearance that the district attorney benefited – albeit non-materially – from a contract whose award lay solely within her purview and policing,” he wrote in Friday’s ruling.
“As the case moves forward, reasonable members of the public could easily be left to wonder whether the financial exchanges have continued resulting in some form of benefit to the district attorney, or even whether the romantic relationship has resumed”.
“Put differently, an outsider could reasonably think that the district attorney is not exercising her independent professional judgment totally free of any compromising influences. As long as Wade remains on the case, this unnecessary perception will persist,” he added.
Resignations
In response to the ruling, Wade tendered his resignation on Friday.
Willis, acknowledging Wade’s decision, expressed gratitude for his service while emphasizing the significance of pursuing justice in the election tampering case.
