Judge Robert McBurney previously removed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from a case related to the 2020 election due to perceived political bias.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, currently under scrutiny for allegedly misusing public funds, was earlier disqualified from a case involving the 2020 election results in Georgia due to concerns of political bias. Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney made this decision after Willis participated in a fundraiser for Democratic candidate Charlie Bailey, as NBC News reported.
The case in question involved Georgia State Senator Burt Jones and allegations of his involvement with other state Republicans in attempting to alter the 2020 election results. Judge McBurney ruled that Willis’ involvement in the fundraiser could raise “entirely reasonable concerns of politically motivated persecution.” He further noted that any decision Willis made in relation to the grand jury investigation into Senator Jones would be “necessarily infected” by her political activities.
McBurney emphasized that while Willis’ donation to a Democratic campaign was not in itself disqualifying, her more extensive, direct, and public campaign work for Bailey compounded the conflict of interest. Consequently, he ruled that another prosecutor would have to bring charges against Jones.
Willis, who had issued subpoenas for Jones and others as part of the investigation, was allowed to continue her involvement in investigating other “fake electors.”
This previous disqualification adds context to the current controversy surrounding Willis. She is accused of misusing county funds by appointing her alleged lover, Nathan Wade, as outside counsel in a case against former President Donald Trump. Wade & Campbell Firm was hired to provide services, including a “Taint Attorney” role, for reviewing privileged evidence. Wade’s appointment in November 2021, despite the alleged affair, has raised questions about Willis’ judgment and potential conflict of interest.
Bank statements revealed that Wade had purchased flight tickets in Willis’ name for personal vacations. Since 2022, Wade’s firm has received approximately $654,000 from Willis’ office. These revelations have led to calls for Willis to be recused from the case against Trump.