Fulton DA Fani Willis Ordered to Pay $22,000

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been ordered to pay Judicial Watch over $22,000 for violating the Georgia Open Records Act by failing to properly respond to an open records request regarding communications with DOJ special counsel Jack Smith. Judge Robert McBurney criticized Willis' office for initially denying the existence of related documents, only to later classify some as exempt, which constituted a clear violation of the law. The ruling highlights ongoing scrutiny of Willis's handling of her investigation into former President Donald Trump, which has faced multiple legal challenges. The case has drawn attention not only for its implications on transparency but also due to allegations of Willis's personal connections with those involved in the prosecution. This decision adds to the legal troubles for Willis, who was previously disqualified from prosecuting Trump due to misconduct. Judicial Watch's president welcomed the ruling, underscoring the need for accountability from public officials.