A Fulton County ethics board meeting that was set to address complaints against District Attorney Fani Willis has been canceled due to a lack of jurisdiction. The complaints stemmed from allegations made by a co-defendant of former President Trump in a Georgia election interference case, claiming that Willis had an improper relationship with special counsel Nathan Wade, whom she hired to prosecute Trump.
Chairman Daraka Satcher announced during the meeting that the board does not have jurisdiction over Willis as she is a state constitutional officer, not a county official. The Fulton County Code of Ethics only applies to county officers and employees, making the Georgia State Ethics Commission the appropriate body to review the complaints against Willis.
Willis, who indicted Trump and 18 co-defendants last year, is currently facing scrutiny over alleged impropriety in her conduct. A state judge is reviewing evidence regarding these allegations, while state lawmakers have formed a special Senate committee with subpoena power to investigate claims against the district attorney.
Two separate complaints were filed with the ethics board by Gregory Mantell and Steven Kramer, alleging various ethics violations by Willis. Mantell's complaint focused on the denial of records requests related to expense reports and payments made to Wade, while Kramer's complaint raised concerns about the hiring of Wade, the alleged affair, financial matters, and the impact on taxpayer dollars.
If found in violation of the county ethics code, Willis could have faced a $1,000 fine. However, since the board determined it lacks jurisdiction over her, she will not face any reprimand. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump supporter, also filed two ethics complaints against Willis but will not have the opportunity to present them at the canceled hearing.
