ATLANTA (AP) — In a significant development, the newly appointed prosecutor overseeing the Georgia election interference case has chosen not to pursue the case against former President Donald Trump and other defendants. Pete Skandalakis announced his decision in a court filing that prompted Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee to issue a brief order dismissing the entire case.
Skandalakis, who took over the high-profile case from disqualified District Attorney Fani Willis, explained that the previous DA's removal stemmed from concerns over an 'appearance of impropriety' due to her romantic involvement with the special prosecutor appointed to lead the case.
Despite indications that the legal actions against Trump would not progress while he remained in office, the filing still left 14 other defendants facing charges. Notably, the list includes high-profile figures such as Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
Trump's lead attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, praised the dismissal, claiming it marked the end of a politically motivated campaign against Trump. According to Sadow, 'The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over.'
In concluding the case, Skandalakis stated that after recently receiving extensive case files, he had yet to evaluate the evidence adequately but felt it prudent to reassess the case in light of the public's interest. He indicated that taking on the case in a pro bono capacity, without additional pay, would not be an obstacle to obtaining justice.
The original indictment launched by Willis in August 2023 alleged that Trump and allies engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. However, following her disqualification, the Georgia Supreme Court's ruling was ultimately determined by the soonest possible resolutions related to prosecution.
Willis' removal stemmed from revelations about her close personal relationship with the special prosecutor, a circumstance that her defense team claimed created a conflict of interest. After a thorough examination of the matter by the judge, it was determined that while Willis made a 'tremendous lapse in judgment', there was no disqualifying conflict that precluded her from retaining her role.
Skandalakis, who took over the high-profile case from disqualified District Attorney Fani Willis, explained that the previous DA's removal stemmed from concerns over an 'appearance of impropriety' due to her romantic involvement with the special prosecutor appointed to lead the case.
Despite indications that the legal actions against Trump would not progress while he remained in office, the filing still left 14 other defendants facing charges. Notably, the list includes high-profile figures such as Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
Trump's lead attorney in Georgia, Steve Sadow, praised the dismissal, claiming it marked the end of a politically motivated campaign against Trump. According to Sadow, 'The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over.'
In concluding the case, Skandalakis stated that after recently receiving extensive case files, he had yet to evaluate the evidence adequately but felt it prudent to reassess the case in light of the public's interest. He indicated that taking on the case in a pro bono capacity, without additional pay, would not be an obstacle to obtaining justice.
The original indictment launched by Willis in August 2023 alleged that Trump and allies engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. However, following her disqualification, the Georgia Supreme Court's ruling was ultimately determined by the soonest possible resolutions related to prosecution.
Willis' removal stemmed from revelations about her close personal relationship with the special prosecutor, a circumstance that her defense team claimed created a conflict of interest. After a thorough examination of the matter by the judge, it was determined that while Willis made a 'tremendous lapse in judgment', there was no disqualifying conflict that precluded her from retaining her role.
