Whistleblowers want to speak in Ga. DA case

ATLANTA — The head of a Georgia Senate panel investigating accusations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said “several” whistleblowers in Willis’ office want to speak to his committee.

The panel is planning to hire an outside attorney and researcher as it looks into whether Willis, a Democrat, misused state money by engaging in a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade — whom she hired to help lead the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

“There are whistleblowers inside the Fulton County DA’S office raising complaints and allegations about the misuse of both federal funds and state funds,” said state Sen. Bill Cowsert, a Republican who is leading the Special Committee on Investigations. “We’ve had people come forward that have asked to speak with us with relevant information. I don’t know that information yet. I’ve not interviewed them, but there are people that have information they want to share with us.”

The committee has the ability to subpoena people and evidence, and require that testimony be given under oath. No other legislative committees require that witnesses testify under oath. Under the measure, if the committee finds there has been misconduct, it can recommend changes to state law.

The panel is made up of six Republicans and three Democrats.

Senate Democratic Leader Gloria Butler said: “I think a political witch hunt or show trial would damage Georgia as a state in both our political and legal system. Our duty as public servants is to strengthen, not weaken, that faith.”

Cowsert said the panel doesn’t have the power to prosecute, disqualify, bring charges, disbar or discipline Willis or anyone else through its investigation.