Attorneys claim Fulton DA’s office didn’t fulfill open records request for Nathan Wade documents

ATLANTA — A judge heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit filed against the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office over open records request filed in the Georgia election interference case.

The lawsuit accuses the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office of violating state open records act. The lawsuit also looks to add Fulton County as another defendant. Both the DA’s office and Fulton County government have filed motions to dismiss.

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Attorney Ashleigh Merchant and her law firm filed the lawsuit. They are representing Michael Roman, one of the co-defendants in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and his allies.

The lawsuit was initially submitted back in January after Merchant questioned Willis on the stand about her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

The lawsuit claims that the Fulton County DA’s Office did not hand over requested documents involving Wade.

The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office argues though it isn’t an official entity covered by open records requests under Georgia law and that the plaintiff “is in possession of all responsive documents and all responsive records.”

“...and Plaintiff’s lawsuit represents pure gamesmanship because FCDAO has acted in good faith in providing the requested documents,” according to a brief filed by the office.

The county’s attorney meanwhile argues it shouldn’t be added as a defendant because the open records requests weren’t made to the county itself.

The judge held off on making a decision Tuesday. She gave the Merchant Law Firm 20 days to add others to the lawsuit. No other decision was made.

RELATED STORIES:

• Georgia Court of Appeals allows Trump appeal to have Willis removed from case to go ahead
• Former President Trump calls Fani Willis’ motion to have appeal thrown out a ‘Hail Mary’ move
• Trump Georgia case put on hold until outcome of appeal against Fani Willis ruling, court says
• Nathan Wade resigns from Trump Georgia case following judge’s ruling
• Former Fulton special prosecutor Nathan Wade: ‘Workplace romances are as American as apple pie’

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