Fulton County’s top prosecutor faces a hefty legal bill after a judge ruled her office mishandled public records.
At a Glance
- Fani Willis will pay over $21,000 for violating Georgia’s Open Records Law.
- Judicial Watch’s lawsuit prompted the court’s decision against Willis.
- The case centers on Willis’ interactions with Special Counsel Jack Smith.
- Many records were not disclosed despite Wallace’s obligations.
Court’s Ruling on Willis
The Superior Court of Fulton County ordered District Attorney Fani Willis to pay nearly $22,000 after finding her in default for not providing essential records. This ruling follows Judicial Watch’s allegations that Willis failed to meet Open Records Law requirements, particularly concerning her communications with Special Counsel Jack Smith and the January 6 Committee.
Judicial Watch filed a motion requesting a default judgment against Willis for her non-compliance in responding to their lawsuit. The lawsuit sought transparency, particularly regarding Willis’ communication with political entities investigating former President Donald Trump. Such noncompliance has now led to a substantial attorney fees penalty for her office.
“Fani Willis flouted the law, and the court is right to slam her and require, at a minimum, the payment of nearly $22,000 to Judicial Watch,” said Judicial Watch President @TomFitton (2/3). https://t.co/qcVL9VTlfT
— Judicial Watch ⚖️ (@JudicialWatch) January 7, 2025
Fulton Court’s Stern Direction
The court mandated Willis search her records for any non-exempt documents related to the investigations and deliver them to Judicial Watch within five business days. Despite this order, Willis’s office did not produce any non-public documents. Her refusal to cooperate fully highlights significant transparency failings in her administration.
Persistent efforts from Judicial Watch uncovered that Willis initially denied having any communications with the January 6 Committee. Later, she admitted to such communications, claiming exemptions shielded them from disclosure. This raises questions about potential political manipulations linked to her investigations.
Judicial Watch’s Stand
Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch, criticized Willis’s actions, emphasizing accountability and legal compliance. The legal group has been advocating transparency in political prosecutions, highlighting Willis’s case as an example of needed reform. Judicial Watch actively challenges such actions to protect the integrity of transparency laws.
“Fani Willis flouted the law, and the court is right to slam her and require, at a minimum, the payment of nearly $22,000 to Judicial Watch” – Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton
This case illustrates the ongoing battle for legal visibility. Judicial Watch’s determination has spotlighted procedural discrepancies, and the court’s decision could influence future conduct by emphasizing responsibility in public office.
Sources:
- Court Awards Judicial Watch $21,578 ‘Fees and Costs’ in Open Records Lawsuit against Fani Willis
- Georgia Judge Orders Fani Willis to Pay Judicial Watch $22,000 in Legal Fees For Her Violation of the Open Records Law
- ‘Fani Willis flouted the law’: Anti-Trump prosecutor stung for thousands of dollars
