Dallas Co. DA On Leave To Battle Depression
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Weeks of questions about the whereabouts and status of Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk were answered late Tuesday afternoon in a statement released by Hawk.
She says she's seeking treatment for a depression and will take four weeks of unpaid leave starting today. During that time, First Assistant Messina Madson will run the office.
On Monday, Hawk's political advisor Mari Woodlief insisted the DA was just taking much needed time off.
Here is Hawk's statement:
For the past three weeks I have taken a break from work in an attempt to work through a serious episode of depression. 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.
I want, and fully expect, to be able to resume my duties as District Attorney once I've recovered from this illness – the extra time I am requesting is simply in an effort to assure that I'm healthy, and to give me the opportunity to make changes so this does not happen in the future.
Until my return, First Assistant Messina Madson will be in charge of running our office.
I'm sorry that my absence has created this unnecessary distraction. Please know that I'm fully committed to serving our citizens and working hard to make Dallas County a thought leader on criminal justice, and the most respect DA's office in the nation.
District Attorney Susan Hawk
Later Tuesday afternoon the Chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, Wade Emmert issued this statement:
We wish Judge Hawk the very best in her recovering, and look forward to her return to the District Attorney's office. Since becoming District Attorney in January, Judge Hawk has made many improvements in office efficiencies and changed the culture to a more inclusive and fair environment. Once she is healthy, I know she can accomplish even more for the citizens of Dallas County.
The Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Carol Donovan issued this statement:
"Mental illness is a serious issue. We commend Susan for her willingness to state the truth, but she hid the truth for weeks, after months of erratic behavior. The District Attorney is the County's top law enforcement official and she oversees 500 employees. If Susan cannot do her job, for herself and for her office, she should resign."
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