Judge rules DA Willis can stay on case if deputy goes

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A judge in Fulton County, Georgia ruled that prosecutor Fani Willis can remain on the Trump Georgia election interference case, under one condition.

The controversy over Willis’ relationship with her chief investigator derailed the case for weeks, now, that the investigator has withdrawn from the case, it can move forward.

The judge ruled there was not a conflict of interest between the district attorney and special investigator, but he acknowledged their relationship gave that appearance.

The judge said either Willis, or Wade, must remove themselves.

Syracuse University law professor Gregory Germain says the judge ruled the prosecution must remove even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

“Whatever conflict of interest existed, had nothing to do with the claims against the defendants,” said Germain.

In a statement, Trump’s lead defense counsel said that they think the judge should have thrown out the case entirely.

Newsnation contributor, Republican political strategist Kurt Bardella, says Trump won a partial victory.

“The Trump campaign legal strategy has been to delay, delay delay, and it has worked,” said Bardella.

However, Germain disagrees.

“I don’t think the Trump side won this battle,” he said.

Legal analyst Brian Claypool says the real loser here was Willis and her credibility with a jury and the American public.

“How are they supposed to believe Fani Willis when she has acted in this kind of manner?” Claypool asked.

In Wade’s resignation letter to Willis, he said he took himself off the case “in the interest of democracy.”

Defense attorneys could try to appeal the ruling, but they would need the judge’s permission to do so.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.