OPINION:
As a long-time civic participant in my community, I’ve been frequently asked to serve as a juror over the years.
However, I was consistently excused from court duty after vetting. Ironically, this time, I was selected for a significant case in Fulton County, Georgia. As I navigated the courthouse, it felt awkward knowing I had strong reservations about Fani Willis in her office, misusing taxpayers’ money in pursuit of President Trump.
During my two weeks at the Fulton County Courthouse, I engaged with shuttle bus drivers, courthouse staff, bailiffs, and even the assistant district attorney’s team, sparking conversations about the state of the county and our judicial system.
Throughout the trial, I couldn’t help but notice that the DA’s office appeared underfunded, especially regarding essential witnesses. My immediate thought was whether Fani Willis was diverting Fulton County’s taxpayer funds, depleting valuable resources to pursue President Trump over a phone call. A conversation with a Fulton County Commissioner confirmed their frustration. Over 500 cases remained unprosecuted, while Fani Willis had only pursued 60 criminal cases in 2023.
Concerns also arose about the severe overcrowding of Fulton County Jail and inmate deaths in Sheriff Patrick Labat’s custody, further marred by allegations of misappropriating campaign funds and questionable contracts.
As a fourth-generation Georgian, the transformation of Atlanta’s culture over recent years, especially post-2020 riots, became evident. Most concerning was the cloud cast over Fulton County, and by extension, Georgia, by District Attorney Fani Willis’s office.
It raised questions about property values and the county’s appeal to potential businesses due to the reputation being developed. Is it fair for hard-working Fulton County residents to witness their money being diverted from essential services to fund political witch hunts by Fani Willis’s office?
Unfortunately, Fulton County isn’t alone in being used as a tool for political weaponization within our judicial system. Many cities across the nation face similar issues, but it’s the hard-working men and women who want to live in safe communities, take their children to school, and attend church or their faith-based organizations that ultimately bear the brunt of these political battles.
The backlog of over 500 cases awaiting prosecution is troubling enough. The stark reality that a majority of the inmates affected are African-American raises other important questions.
Many lives are at risk due to mismanagement, leading to tragic outcomes. Based on my observations over the past two weeks, I must respectfully place much of the blame for this situation on Fani Willis.
- Bruce LeVell is a longtime Advisor and appointee to President Donald J. Trump, former Trump Campaign 2016 & 2020 Senior Advisor
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