How Fani Willis oversaw what might be the most sprawling legal case against Donald Trump

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Even before the FBI started to investigate Donald Trump for hoarding classified documents, and before Attorney General Merrick Garland assigned a special prosecutor to look into the former president, Fani Willis was already on the job. A month after Trump’s notorious January 2021 call implying Georgia’s secretary of state could reverse his electoral defeat, Fulton County’s district attorney began to examine potential illegal efforts to influence the election outcome.

While building her case, Willis convened a special grand jury, interrogating various high-profile witnesses and conducting an inquiry so public that it looked like she might become the first prosecutor in U.S. history to indict a former president. However, she appears set to be the third to level criminal charges against Trump, following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith.

Willis’s indictment, which may be issued as early as this week, could be the most complex case against Trump, reflecting his desperate attempts to cling to power after losing to Joe Biden. Some legal experts believe it could be among the most powerful cases against him.

Clint Rucker, a 25-year veteran prosecutor in Fulton County, praised the sophisticated and well-prepared approach of Willis’s office, dismissing any notion of incompetence. Although Willis hasn’t confirmed the imminent indictment, her prior remarks and security measures at the Fulton County courthouse hint that legal action might be near. In response, Trump has increased his attacks against her, resorting to personal and racial slurs.

Willis, refusing to respond to Trump’s insults, has maintained her professional focus. She instructed her staff not to react publicly to negative ads or comments, emphasizing that their work is never personal.

With an impressive record of prosecuting prominent cases, Willis seems prepared to take on the unprecedented task of indicting a former president, possibly using Georgia’s RICO law to charge Trump and some of his associates. Some defendants may contest the indictment, but Willis’s extensive experience as an assistant district attorney and her reputation as an exceptional litigator make her well-equipped for the challenge.

Willis, who has often been seen as a “tough-on-crime liberal,” has also faced criticism for overusing gang and RICO laws, leading to complex, time-consuming cases. There are concerns about delays in indictments within Fulton County, contributing to unacceptable jail conditions. Trump’s characterization of Atlanta as “crime-ridden” contrasts with recent improvements in crime statistics.

Willis’s affinity for the RICO statute stems from its ability to provide a comprehensive view of illegal activities. Her most notable RICO prosecution was against Atlanta public school educators for manipulating standardized test scores. Since becoming district attorney, she has pursued several RICO cases, including against famous rappers.

Her use of the RICO law has drawn mixed reactions, with concerns about the investigation’s prolonged duration and the potential burden on the court system. Calls for charging only key individuals have been met with Willis’s emphasis on thoroughly building cases, avoiding “skinny cases” that lack substantial evidence.

With a handpicked group of prosecutors, she is undeniably the decision-maker, meticulously ensuring that the case is robust. Rucker’s confidence in her readiness reflects the meticulous preparation that is typical of Willis, setting the stage for a significant legal battle. Her strategy and determination signal that she’s prepared to face one of the most significant challenges of her career, firmly positioning herself in the historical legal landscape.

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• Fulton County District Attorney’s Office
• U.S. Department of Justice’s information on RICO Law
• Atlanta Police Department crime statistics
• Legal analyses and news coverage on major news websites regarding Trump’s legal cases and Fani Willis’s career.