Skandalakis Takes Charge of Georgia Election Interference Case

Peter J. Skandalakis has taken control of Georgia’s election interference case after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was removed. As the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, Skandalakis confirmed his appointment in Fulton County Superior Court, meeting a strict deadline imposed by Judge Scott McAfee. 

Charges were initially brought against Trump and 18 others in August 2023 for violating Georgia’s racketeering law in their efforts to overturn the election results. Willis was removed from the case due to ethical concerns over her relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor. Judge McAfee ruled that she could only remain if Wade resigned. Yet, despite Wade’s resignation the Georgia Court of Appeals pushed for Willis’ dismissal from the case, citing impropriety.  

Skandalakis reached out to various prosecutors for the case, but none agreed. He stated, “While all were respectful, each declined the appointment.” Understanding the public’s interest, he stepped in to ensure transparency and progress in the prosecution. The Supreme Court declined to review the ruling, leaving the appointment of a new prosecutor to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council.

Skandalakis’ new role in the case coincides with former President Donald Trump issuing pardons to all 18 co-defendants in this case, as well as other Georgia Republicans. While Justice Department official Ed Martin described the pardons as the reversal of a “grave national injustice,” they do not affect the Georgia racketeering case. Since no federal charges have been filed. Trump’s pardons do not affect the pending state charges.

Skandalakis recently received the case materials, including 101 boxes of documents and an 8-terabyte hard drive containing the complete investigative file. With the deadline looming, Skandalakis asserted that taking the case on himself was the only responsible choice. Though prosecution against Trump is expected to pause during his time in office, 14 remaining defendants will continue to face state charges.