Overview
- Judge Scott McAfee warned the election-interference case would be dismissed without prejudice unless a new prosecutor is named within 14 days or a particularized extension is granted.
- Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council executive director Pete Skandalakis told the court his office has not yet received the physical case file and expects it will take about four weeks to arrive.
- Skandalakis requested at least 90 days from receipt of the file to make an appointment, citing the case’s complexity, the need to avoid any appearance of impropriety, 21 pending appointments and 448 conflict referrals this year.
- The appointment process follows the disqualification of Fulton County DA Fani Willis for an appearance of impropriety tied to her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade, a ruling the state’s high court declined to review last month.
- Even with a new prosecutor, proceedings against President Trump are unlikely while he is in office, though 14 co-defendants still face charges and any successor could continue, narrow or dismiss the case.