D.A. Susan Hawk
Dallas District Attorney Susan Hawk, whose whereabouts have been unknown for the past three weeks, announced today (Tuesday, Aug. 25) that she is suffering from depression and will take an additional four week of unpaid leave of absence.
She issued the following 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”
