A Georgia state senator leading the investigation into the Fulton County district attorney’s office has raised doubts about District Attorney Fani Willis’ claims regarding her relationship after testimony from a whistleblower. Amanda Timpson, who previously worked as Willis’ director of juvenile diversion programs, alleged that she was demoted and eventually fired for exposing the office’s misuse of federal grant money. Timpson also claimed that Nathan Wade, who was allegedly involved in an “improper” affair with Willis, was part of interview panels for Willis’ staff in 2020, before eventually being hired as a special prosecutor in November 2021. The timing and nature of the relationship between Willis and Wade have come under scrutiny, with some questioning the accuracy of their claims.
In a committee hearing in March, it was revealed that Wade’s cellphone data showed multiple visits to the condo Willis was renting late at night before he was hired. This information, provided by a lawyer for a co-defendant in a case against former President Trump, raised suspicions about the nature of Willis and Wade’s relationship. Despite claims that geolocation data is unreliable, it has been used in other court proceedings against defendants, leading to calls for Willis to be disqualified from the case. A judge ruled in March that Willis could remain on the case only if Wade was removed, prompting his resignation. State lawmakers have formed a special committee with subpoena power to further investigate the Fulton County district attorney.
During her testimony, Timpson described facing retaliation and pushback after reporting the misuse of federal grant funds in Willis’ office. She expressed disappointment and frustration at how her dream job turned into a nightmare due to the actions taken against her. Timpson had previously worked to prevent youth from joining gangs, and her passion for this work was evident in her testimony. Senator Cowsert commended Timpson as a credible witness and highlighted the impact of losing a job that she was deeply passionate about. The committee is expected to continue holding hearings in the coming months to further explore the allegations against Willis and her office.
Despite the ongoing investigation and mounting evidence, Willis has refused to testify before the committee, calling it “unlawful.” The committee has the power to subpoena her, but it remains to be seen if she will comply. The relationship between Willis and Wade, as well as the allegations of misconduct and misuse of funds within the district attorney’s office, continue to cast a shadow over the case. With appeals being made to the Georgia Court of Appeals to have Willis disqualified from the case against former President Trump, the legal battle is far from over. The actions of Willis, Wade, and others involved in the case are under intense scrutiny, and the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the legal proceedings and the individuals involved.
