District Attorney Fani Willis was questioned about her financial disclosure form for 2022 during a recent hearing. The form required her to disclose any gifts or favors from a single prohibited source in the aggregate amount of $100 or more. The district attorney acknowledged the existence of the question on page 2 of the form, which defines a prohibited source as someone seeking to do or doing business with the county.
When asked if the definition of a prohibited source included Mr. Wade, she confirmed that it did. However, she stated that she had not received any gifts from him that exceeded $100. She mentioned the possibility of having meals with him, but claimed that she always paid him back for those expenses. She emphasized that she did not accept gifts from him due to personal reasons.
The district attorney's explanation for not disclosing any gifts from Mr. Wade on the financial disclosure form was that the aggregate amount on a net basis was less than $100 in 2022. She clarified that the only exception might be if they went out to eat multiple times, but she believed that she had paid for as many meals as he had. Therefore, she maintained that she did not receive any gifts from him.
During the hearing, the district attorney's response to the question was met with some disagreement. The opposing counsel argued that she had not fully answered the question and requested further clarification. However, the judge intervened, stating that the district attorney had addressed the question regarding specific individual gifts and that the opposing counsel was not listening to her response.
The hearing concluded without a definitive resolution on whether the district attorney had properly disclosed any gifts from Mr. Wade on her financial disclosure form. The matter remains under scrutiny, and further proceedings may be necessary to determine the accuracy of her statements.
It is important to note that the purpose of the financial disclosure form is to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. Public officials are required to disclose any gifts or favors they receive from prohibited sources to maintain the integrity of their positions. The outcome of this case will have implications for the district attorney's credibility and adherence to ethical standards.
