In a shocking turn of events, text messages have been uncovered that reveal lawyer Terrence Bradley’s involvement in the Georgia election interference case. These messages, obtained by The Associated Press, show Bradley’s communication with Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, and shed light on his role in supporting efforts to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case.
Over several months, Bradley provided Merchant with information and suggestions to help her prove that Willis had a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor hired for the election case. Bradley’s knowledge of the situation, stemming from his past professional and personal connections with Wade, made him a valuable asset to the defense team.
However, when Bradley took the stand to testify under oath in February, he initially invoked attorney-client privilege and refused to answer most questions. It was only after the judge compelled him to testify that he repeatedly claimed not to know or remember crucial details. These revelations were reported by CNN after the text messages were made public.
Merchant had filed a motion seeking to remove Willis and Wade from the election case and dismiss the indictment against Trump and 14 others. She alleged that the prosecutors had a romantic relationship before Wade was hired and accused Willis of financially benefiting from Wade’s earnings. The text messages exchanged between Merchant and Bradley show his active involvement in providing information from September to February.
During his testimony, Bradley consistently maintained that he did not have direct knowledge of when the relationship between Willis and Wade began. This led to frustration on Merchant’s part, who expressed her concerns to the judge about Bradley’s lack of recollection. Arguments regarding the motions to disqualify Willis and her office from the case are scheduled for Friday.
The indictment against Trump and 18 others in August relates to their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. However, the details of Willis and Wade’s relationship have overshadowed these charges for the past two months, creating a distraction that may persist even if Willis remains in the case.
The text exchanges between Merchant and Bradley reveal their efforts to gather evidence and build a case against Willis and Wade. Merchant sought a sworn statement on their relationship but struggled to find someone willing to come forward. She also informed Bradley about Wade taking Willis on trips, including a cruise and a visit to Napa Valley. Bradley acknowledged that they had taken other trips together.
Defense attorneys at the hearing expressed frustration with Bradley’s contradictory actions. He had reviewed and approved a draft of Merchant’s motion, including information about money he received from Willis’ office. However, during his testimony, he claimed not to remember crucial details included in the motion. The text messages also show Bradley confirming information for Merchant and suggesting records to request or people to subpoena.
Despite his involvement, Bradley seemed cautious about leaving a traceable trail, but he expressed willingness to be subpoenaed to testify. Merchant assured him that she had protected him completely and intended to put Willis and Wade on the stand, with the subpoenas for Bradley and others serving as backup.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the defense team has successfully demonstrated that Willis and Wade’s relationship created a conflict of interest. The text messages have undoubtedly added a new layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.
