Fulton County Board of Ethics policy modification may potentially subject District Attorney Fani Willis to fresh complaints.
As she takes on the prosecution of former President Donald Trump, who is accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, Willis has come under growing scrutiny from her Republican detractors. Despite a lack of evidence, Trump has persistently alleged widespread election fraud and the theft of the election from him.
Trump has consistently asserted his innocence, entering a plea of not guilty to all charges and alleging that Willis is pursuing him for political motives.
Last month, ethics complaints were dropped after the board determined that it lacked jurisdiction over Willis, a state constitutional officer.
According to a report from Rough Draft Atlanta, the ethics board guidelines underwent a change on Wednesday, which now allows the board to entertain complaints against Willis.
The amendment enhances the definition of an employee of the county to encompass “any elected or appointed official whose department or agency receives funds from the county,” thereby encompassing Willis’ office.
According to Bob Ellis, a member of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the policies are not retroactive. This means that the ethics board will not be considering the previous complaints made against Willis, as reported by Rough Draft Atlanta.
The ethics complaints revolved around Willis’ connection with Wade. Critics contended that the duo profited financially from public funds through Wade’s appointment. However, Willis and Wade maintained that their relationship only started after Wade assumed the position, and thus, it shouldn’t be a reason for disqualifying her.
According to Willis, she asserts her innocence and denies any involvement in any unethical activities. The future course of action regarding potential additional ethics complaints against Willis is still uncertain.
The ethics board had initially scheduled a hearing for March 7, but they ultimately decided not to proceed with it because they felt they did not have the jurisdiction to do so.
Willis has been the subject of a separate ethics complaint, with the state bar accusing her of misspending state funds alongside Wade. Additionally, House Republicans are conducting an investigation into allegations of her office misusing federal grant funds. The Department of Justice has previously acknowledged “inconsistencies” in the use of some funds by her office, but specific details have not been disclosed.
