Repeated assertions from Fani Willis and Nathan Wade that their romantic relationship began in early 2022 — after she hired him to work on the election case — are a “fraud on this court,” defense attorney Craig Gillen said.

Gillen, who represents defendant David Shafer, said “it’s been proven beyond any doubt that the relationship occurred before Nov. 1, 2021, and the benefits were there.”

“What we have here is a fraud on this court which has been shown, I think, overwhelmingly by the evidence,” he said.

Gillen said Willis and Wade offered “no disclosure whatsoever” about their relationship until it was raised by defense counsel.

“Prosecutors don’t act like this,” he said. “Lawyers don’t act like this.”

They need to go,” he concluded.

About the Author

Keep Reading

John Love — a member of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO union — holds a sign with other PASS members at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's domestic terminal on  Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. PASS members at the Federal Aviation Administration working without pay or furloughed share pamphlets to call public attention to the impact of the government shutdown on aviation safety and the personal toll it is taking on their families. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez