In a recent decision by Georgia’s Supreme Court, a victory for one of former President Donald Trump’s co-defendants emerged. The ruling allows attorney Ashleigh Merchant to compel Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to release documents and potentially cover her legal fees.
This opinion reaffirmed a ruling from a lower court that found Willis’ office in violation of the Open Records Act (ORA). Merchant, representing former Trump aide Michael Roman, claimed that despite submitting around 20 requests for documents over the past year, Willis’ office failed to respond.
Merchant emphasized the accountability of elected officials like Willis during the Monday hearing: “Every government agency has a duty to respond to open records requests,” she stated. “They are the ones who are held accountable by the public.”
Alyssa Pointer-Pool/Alex Slitz-Pool/Fulton County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images
Judge Rachel Krause ruled in favor of Merchant, indicating that Willis may owe attorney’s fees, though the specific amount remains undecided. Willis’ team previously argued that her office could not be sued under the ORA due to protections in the state constitution.
However, the Supreme Court’s ruling clarified that district attorneys can indeed be held accountable under the ORA, as claims are directed at the office rather than the individuals. The court noted that while certain records are exempt from disclosure, the overarching principle of the ORA stands.
Currently, Willis is handling a case against Trump and his allies over their alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. While some co-defendants have pleaded guilty, Trump’s case continues, and a trial this year seems unlikely.
Roman, who joined Trump’s campaign in 2016, recently brought attention to an alleged “personal relationship” between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade, raising concerns about the integrity of the election interference case.