A Fulton County judge has ruled that District Attorney Fani Willis violated Georgia’s open records law and must pay $54,264 in legal fees and court costs. The decision stems from a lawsuit filed by attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who sought records regarding the hiring of former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

Judge Rachel Krause found that Willis’ office intentionally failed to provide the requested documents. The records were related to Wade’s employment and possible financial benefits tied to his appointment. The controversy surrounding Wade intensified after it was revealed that he had a romantic relationship with Willis while overseeing the Trump election interference case.

The ruling highlighted that the DA’s office did not act in good faith. Krause stated that Willis’ office, through records custodian Dexter Bond, was “openly hostile” to Merchant and treated her requests differently from others. Bond admitted that while he normally communicated with requestors, he refused to do so with Merchant.

“Defendants’ failures were intentional, not done in good faith, and were substantially groundless and vexatious,” the court order stated.

The decision follows Wade’s resignation after mounting allegations of misconduct in the Trump prosecution. The court’s ruling also requires Willis to finally release the withheld documents.

Merchant praised the decision, stating, “I’m proud that we have judges willing to hold people in power accountable when they ignore the law.”

The DA’s office has 30 days to comply with the order. Neither Willis nor her office has publicly commented on the ruling.