In a significant development in the Fulton Trump probe, the case is unfolding as a textbook racketeering investigation, according to a report by ajc. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is employing Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to build her criminal case against the former president and his top deputies, following a well-established playbook in leveraging the anti-racketeering law.

Willis' strategy has gained momentum, with four out of the 19 defendants already pleading guilty. Among them are three prominent lawyers who played significant roles in the Trump campaign. As the investigation zeroes in on Trump and his inner circle, these cooperating witnesses have agreed to testify, which strengthens Willis' case.

Legal experts and former prosecutors have expressed confidence in the strength of Willis' case, stating that it is getting stronger by the day. Speculation is now focused on which defendant will be the next to strike a plea deal. Prosecutors have reportedly offered plea agreements to several other defendants, but some have rejected offers of a misdemeanor and probation. However, as the cooperating witnesses begin to provide testimony, legal analysts predict that more defendants may rush to the DA's office seeking favorable deals.

Willis has successfully employed the RICO Act in high-profile cases before, working closely with renowned litigator John Floyd. Together, they have secured charges against a broad range of defendants, from the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal in 2014 to the current Young Slime Life gang case. By using this approach, Willis aims to whittle down the defendant pool ahead of trial and strengthen her case.

The current indictment in the Trump case encompasses 41 counts, alleging 161 actions by the former president, along with his colleagues such as Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, which prosecutors deem as a "criminal enterprise." Additionally, there are 30 unindicted co-conspirators mentioned in the charging document.

While some critics argue that the RICO statute allows prosecutors to intimidate defendants with the threat of severe sentences, others maintain that it is a necessary tool to combat organized crime and corruption. Defense attorney Bob Rubin, however, believes the law is overused and misused.

Willis' success in obtaining plea deals is reminiscent of the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal, where several educators pleaded guilty and provided crucial testimony against their co-defendants. The former human resources director, Millicent Few, who initially faced felony charges, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and agreed to testify against former Superintendent Beverly Hall. Hall, charged with orchestrating the scheme, passed away before her trial.

Now, as Willis secures guilty pleas from key players like Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis, and Scott Hall, who are involved in various subplots identified in the RICO indictment, legal experts see a significant boost to the credibility of the case.

Moving forward, legal observers anticipate more plea deals, possibly even involving prominent names like Rudy Giuliani. However, they caution that these offers typically become less favorable over time.

Fani Willis' approach in using the RICO Act to advance the Trump probe has yielded early results, but the true impact on the former president's case remains to be seen. With the pace of guilty pleas accelerating, the investigation is poised to intensify, potentially bringing more revelations and shaping the future of the Fulton Trump probe.