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Special Prosecutor in Georgia Trump Case Received Higher Compensation Than Colleagues: Report

 January 18, 2024

Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor in the Fulton County, Georgia, election interference case against Donald Trump, has received significantly higher compensation than his counterparts, amid allegations of a personal relationship with District Attorney Fani Willis.

In a recent revelation, documents have shown that Wade, has been compensated to the tune of over half a million dollars more than other prosecutors working on the same case. This significant difference in payment has raised eyebrows, especially in light of allegations concerning a possible romantic involvement between Wade and the Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, as WXIA reported.

Payment disparities and personal allegations

The controversy was brought into the public eye following a court motion filed by Michael Roman’s lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant.

The motion alleged a personal relationship between Willis and Wade, suggesting that this connection may have led to Wade's substantial financial compensation.

However, the motion did not provide concrete evidence to support these claims, and no additional proof has been presented to date.

Willis addressed these allegations during a public speech at the Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in Atlanta. She expressed her confusion and frustration about the focus on Wade's payment, stating her legal right to appoint special counsel and questioning the selective scrutiny on Wade's compensation. She said:

I’m a little confused. I appointed three special counsel as is my right to do, paid them all the same hourly rate, they only attack one.

Financial records shed light on compensation discrepancies

Public records obtained from Fulton County have highlighted the disparity in compensation among the special prosecutors.

While John Floyd's law firm and Anna Cross' law firms received payments close to $73,000 and $90,000 respectively, Wade's law office received an approximate $653,880 over the same period. This discrepancy has fueled the ongoing controversy and raised questions about the justification of such a payment structure.

Emory University law school professor John Acevedo commented on the matter, acknowledging the significant difference in payments but also noting the need for a detailed understanding of the workload and responsibilities handled by each prosecutor.

Acevedo said:

Those figures sound radically off, but if he did the vast majority of work and they were just consulting, those figures may be accurate.

Seeking clarity amid allegations and financial concerns

Acevedo also emphasized the importance of transparency in understanding the distribution of billable hours among the special prosecutors and how this correlates with the work produced.

This transparency could provide clarity on whether the payment disparities are justified based on the workload and contributions of each prosecutor.

The Fulton County District Attorney's Office, however, has remained silent on the issue, declining to comment on the ongoing controversy. This lack of communication has only added to the growing concern and speculation surrounding the case.

Wade, the special prosecutor at the center of these allegations, has not responded to requests for comments. His past conduct, particularly his admission of not keeping written records during an investigation of jail deaths, has also come under scrutiny, casting further doubt on his professional practices.

Community leaders and officials demand accountability

In her speech, Willis specifically mentioned Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne, highlighting the broader community's concern and scrutiny over her decisions regarding the special counsel.

This public acknowledgment indicates the level of attention and scrutiny the case has attracted from both officials and the general public.

“Why does Commissioner Thorne and so many others question my decision in the special counsel?” asked Willis.

Commissioner Thorne, in response, asserted her right and intention to closely monitor the D.A.'s office's spending. Her comments reflect a demand for accountability and transparency, emphasizing the need for clarity on the expenditure and its justification, especially in high-profile cases like this one.

Conclusion

  • Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor in the Fulton County election interference case, received over half a million dollars more than his counterparts.
  • Allegations of a personal relationship between Wade and District Attorney Fani Willis have surfaced, but without concrete evidence.
  • Public records reveal a significant disparity in compensation among special prosecutors, with Wade receiving approximately $653,880.
  • Questions arise regarding the distribution of workload and whether this justifies the payment discrepancies.
  • The Fulton County District Attorney's Office and Wade have not commented on the allegations or payment issues.
  • Community leaders and officials, like Commissioner Bridget Thorne, demand transparency and accountability in the D.A.'s office spending.