Fani Willis, the embattled district attorney for Fulton County, made it clear on Monday that she would not be appearing before the special committee of the Georgia state Senate that is looking into allegations that she misappropriated public funds while working with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
At a press conference, Willis stated of the Republican-led investigation, “First of all, I don’t think they even have the authority to subpoena me, but they need to learn the law.”
“I will not appear to anything that is unlawful, and I have not broken the law in any way,” the district attorney further continued.
“I’m sorry folks get pissed off that everybody gets treated evenly,” she added.
In its third public hearing, the special investigation panel discussed last week’s expenditures of money by Willis’ office to prosecute the historic racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants, as well as the oversight that other government agencies have over the district attorney’s office.
Related: Georgia Senate’s Spotlight on Fani Willis: Fund Misuse Inquiry Begins
The defense counsel for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, Ashleigh Merchant, has already been subpoenaed by the committee to testify. Merchant was the one who initially revealed in January that Willis and Wade had a “improper” and “clandestine” relationship.
The special committee’s chairman, Republican state senator Bill Cowsert, has threatened to force Willis to testify if she doesn’t show up willingly.
Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones told, “If subpoenaed by the Committee, she will be required to appear, or she will be in violation of Georgia law.
“This is what treating everybody evenly looks like, even if DA Willis doesn’t like being held accountable,” he continued.
Wade left the Trump lawsuit in March following an order from Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee that required him or Willis to step down in order for the prosecution to proceed.
Although Wade and Willis acknowledged having a romantic relationship, they both stated in court that the relationship didn’t officially start until 2022—after they had already filed the lawsuit against the former president and his co-defendants.
Wade reportedly received $654,000 from Willis’ office in 2022 for his efforts on the election meddling case.
According to the Georgia Senate, the results of the state Senate investigation will guide legislative steps, which may include passing legislation to guarantee greater accountability and oversight of the DA’s office.
