Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was ordered by a Georgia judge to turn over public records and pay over $54,000 in attorneys’ fees after violating the state’s Open Records Act. The lawsuit was filed by attorney Ashleigh Merchant, representing Michael Roman, a former Trump campaign staffer indicted alongside Donald Trump for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
Judge Rachel Krause ruled that Willis’ office intentionally failed to comply and was hostile toward Merchant’s requests, lacking “substantial justification” for withholding documents. Willis must provide the records and pay fees within 30 days.
Among the requested documents were reports on public opinion related to Willis’ statements, contracts with firms, lawyer lists, and confidentiality agreements for staff.
Willis’ office plans to challenge the ruling. The case against Trump and others is currently stalled after a Georgia appeals court blocked prosecution due to conflicts of interest involving Willis’ relationship with a special prosecutor.
