Fani Willis Ordered to Pay $54K for Violating Georgia’s Open Records Laws.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been ordered to pay $54,264 in attorney’s fees and litigation costs for intentionally violating Georgia’s open records laws.

The ruling, issued by Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause, found that Willis’ office acted with hostility and bad faith in withholding records related to the prosecution of President Donald Trump. The case stems from Willis’ refusal to release documents regarding Nathan Wade, the former special prosecutor forced to resign after revelations of a romantic relationship with Willis.

The court ruling is the latest blow to Willis, who was recently disqualified from prosecuting Trump in Georgia’s election interference case.

The judge’s order mandates that Willis’ office must comply with the open records request and provide the withheld documents within 30 days. This ruling underscores concerns about transparency, misconduct, and political bias in the Trump prosecution.

Court Rules Willis’ Office Was ‘Hostile’ and Acted in Bad Faith

Judge Krause’s ruling sharply criticized Willis' office, particularly its handling of open records requests submitted by attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who led the legal challenge against Willis. The court found that Willis’ records custodian, Dexter Bond, treated Merchant’s requests differently from others, demonstrating a lack of good faith.

Attorney Ashleigh Merchant

"Defendants — through the Open Records custodian, Dexter Bond — were openly hostile to counsel for Plaintiff, Ms. Merchant, and testified that Ms. Merchant's requests were handled differently than other requests," the order stated.

Bond admitted that while his usual practice was to call requestors for clarification, he refused to communicate with Merchant by phone. The court deemed Willis' failure to provide the requested records as "substantially groundless and vexatious," meaning the violations were deliberate and unjustified.

The Nathan Wade Scandal and Financial Misconduct Allegations

The case centers on records related to Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor hired by Willis to prosecute Trump. Wade resigned earlier this year after it was revealed that he and Willis had a romantic relationship, raising ethical concerns over financial misconduct and conflicts of interest.

Merchant pursued the records request to determine whether Willis financially benefited from Wade’s appointment. However, the DA’s office refused to release key documents, fueling suspicions that Willis and Wade may have misused taxpayer funds.

The court’s ruling not only orders Willis to cover legal fees but also requires her office to comply with the records request, adding another layer of scrutiny to the embattled prosecutor.

Political Fallout and Trump’s Reaction

The court’s decision comes on the heels of the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualifying Willis and her entire team from Trump’s election interference case. Following the ruling, Trump celebrated the decision, calling Willis "corrupt" and declaring the case "entirely dead."

Merchant, meanwhile, praised the judge’s ruling, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
"Proud that we have judges willing to hold people in power accountable when they ignore the law!!!!"

This case has intensified political divisions, with critics arguing that Willis’ prosecution of Trump was politically motivated and now tainted by ethical violations and legal missteps. The Georgia state legislature now has subpoena power to investigate further, putting Willis under even more pressure.

What’s Next for Fani Willis?

With mounting legal and political challenges, Willis faces a critical test of her credibility. The $54,000 penalty is a symbolic but significant rebuke, highlighting concerns over transparency and fair application of the law.

The ruling also raises questions about the future of the Trump prosecution in Georgia. While another prosecutor may take over the case, Willis’ disqualification and misconduct allegations have already damaged its legitimacy.

Additionally, the Georgia legislature’s new subpoena power could lead to further investigations into Willis’ actions, financial dealings, and potential misconduct. As scrutiny intensifies, this case could have far-reaching implications for legal ethics, political prosecutions, and public trust in the justice system.