A Fulton County judge in the ongoing Georgia election interference case involving former President Donald Trump has ruled that Terrence Bradley, special counsel Nathan Wade’s former law partner and divorce attorney, 51, must return to the stand. of the witnesses.
This decision came after a meeting between Judge Scott McAfee and Bradley, where it was revealed that certain communications between Wade and Bradley do not fall under the protection of attorney-client privilege.
Judge McAfee informed attorneys involved in the case via email about the exclusion of some communications from attorney-client privilege.
McAfee’s decision came after a closed-door meeting between the judge and Bradley on Monday that lasted more than an hour.
Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis and Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade testified about their romantic relationship in court last week.
Witness and attorney Terrence Bradley may have to take the stand once again
Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee revealed that some communications between Wade and Bradley are not confidential or protected by attorney-client privilege.
Michael Roman and other co-defendants in the Trump case are seeking to have District Attorney Fanni Willis, 53, disqualified for what they call an “inappropriate” relationship.
They cite a financial benefit from a “personal romantic relationship” with special prosecutor Wade, whom he hired for the case.
Although Willis and Wade have acknowledged their relationship, they have argued that it “does not amount to a disqualifying conflict of interest” and that the relationship “has never involved direct or indirect financial benefit to District Attorney Willis.”
If Bradley were to testify again, it could affect efforts to disqualify prosecutor Willis and his relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Terrence Bradley, Nathan Wade’s former business partner and former divorce attorney, is seen Monday before a meeting with Judge Scott McAfee at the Fulton County Courthouse.
Defense attorneys said Willis benefited financially from hiring Wade because he paid for the trips they took along with money he won in the case.
Willis and Wade testified that they split the cost of the trip approximately equally.
They said their relationship began months after she hired him to oversee the case in November 2021 to lead the case against Trump and other defendants accused of trying to overturn her loss in the 2020 election.
One of the defendants, former Republican National Committeeman Michael Roman, has alleged that Willis had an inappropriate relationship with Wade, alleging that she benefited financially through cruises and trips while he was paid $650,000 for his work for the district attorney’s office.
Willis insisted on the evidentiary hearing to determine whether he can continue with the prosecution that he always refunded Wade cash.
The defense claims Bradley has evidence indicating the relationship began before Wade was hired, which would contradict previous statements made by Willis and Wade to the court.
Bradley had previously refrained from answering questions from the defense during a Feb. 15 hearing, citing attorney-client privilege.
Bradley could be forced to return to the stand as soon as Tuesday and could reveal more information as the defense seeks to disqualify Willis from the election case and dismiss the charges.
Judge McAfee already heard testimony from a former friend and employee of Willis who testified how their affair began long before Willis hired Wade.
Defense attorneys have suggested that Bradley can also testify that Willis and Wade were romantically involved before she hired him.
The case against Trump sees him along with others accused of trying to overturn his loss in the 2020 presidential election.
A second witness may also be called who contradicts Willis and Wade and adds evidence that the couple lied under oath at the recent hearing, the report reports. Atlanta Journal Constitution.
The defendants also seek to introduce cell phone records that would reveal that Wade and Willis’ romantic relationship began earlier than they had let on.
During a hearing on February 15, attorneys for District Attorney Willis, Wade and Bradley argued that Bradley should not be forced to testify because any knowledge he had of the relationship was privileged since he had worked as Wade’s divorce attorney for a period of time. time.
Defense attorneys argue that Bradley had knowledge of the relationship that he did not obtain as Wade’s attorney, along with some personal observations.
Judge McAfee said he wanted more information before making a decision on whether to compel Bradley to testify, it reports. AJC.
In August, Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty to racketeering charges related to alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Four defendants subsequently reached plea deals in exchange for testifying against others, while the former president criticized the investigation as politically motivated.