Dallas DA says she has depression, taking 4 more weeks off
DALLAS -- More than three weeks after she last appeared at work, Dallas District Attorney Susan Hawk announced Tuesday that she has depression and is beginning a new, unpaid, month-long leave of absence.
"For the past three weeks I have taken a break from work in an attempt to work through a serious episode of depression," Hawk said in a statement. "It was my intention to return to work this week, but I have been unable to do so. I've decided that it would be in my best interest, and the best interest of the DA's office for me to take a four-week, unpaid leave of absence starting today and give this illness the professional attention it deserves."
Advisors to Hawk previously told media outlets that she was on vacation, but would not say where, or when she might return.
Hawk said in the statement that she expects to resume her duties as DA after the leave of absence. In the meantime, First Assistant District Attorney Messina Madson, will be running the office, she said.
"I'm sorry that my absence has created this unnecessary distraction," she said.