Georgia appeals court pauses Fani Willis prosecution of Trump

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The Georgia Court of Appeals on Wednesday issued a decision pausing Fulton County Fani Willis’s prosecution of former President Donald Trump while he appeals a decision on her disqualification from the case

“The proceedings below in the Superior Court of Fulton County are hereby stayed pending the outcome of these appeals,” the court order reads.

Willis indicted Trump and 18 codefendants last year under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) Act. Trump has pleaded not guilty and contended the case is part of a broader political witch hunt designed to derail his campaign for the White House.

The case was thrown in disarray over allegations that Willis maintained an inappropriate relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she hired to pursue the case. The pair have admitted to the relationship but insisted it began after Willis hired Wade.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee in March ruled that either Wade or Willis must leave the case, resulting in Wade’s stepping down. Trump, for his part, has appealed the decision allowing Willis to remain. Oral arguments on the matter have been set for Oct. 4.

The Wednesday decision signals that the case likely will not be resolved prior to the November general election.