Cobb County Superior Court Judge Henry Thompson unsealed the divorce case involving Nathan Wade, whom Fani Willis appointed as a special prosecutor in the case against former President Donald Trump. The judge ruled to unseal the case but deferred a decision on whether Willis will be required to testify, temporarily blocking the scheduled deposition. Thompson also prohibited attorneys from discussing Willis’ claim that testifying would interfere with an ongoing criminal prosecution.
The case centers on allegations made by Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, accusing Willis of awarding her alleged lover, Wade, a lucrative contract for the Trump case. Bank statements revealed Wade’s expenditures on trips and cruises in Willis’ name, raising questions about a potential conflict of interest. During a Tuesday hearing, the judge prevented discussions on Willis’ claim of obstructing justice, emphasizing the need to determine whether she has unique personal knowledge requiring testimony.
Thompson granted a motion to unseal filings in the case, which had been sealed since February 2022. The judge stated that the prior sealing order was not properly entered, and media outlets had previously sought to unseal the docket. Wade, who earned nearly $654,000 from the Fulton County District Attorney’s office since 2022, is at the center of a motion to disqualify Willis, filed by Roman, set to be considered on February 15.
Willis, facing allegations of paying different hourly rates to special prosecutors, falsely claimed equal pay in comments last week. The case raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and ethical considerations within the District Attorney’s office, with a hearing set to explore these issues further. The District Attorney’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
