A representative has said Hawk plans to return to work this week.
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Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk explained Tuesday that she missed the last three weeks of work to deal with a bout of depression and will not return to the office for another month.
Now Hawk, a Republican elected past year, has resurfaced to say she was being treated for depression – and, moreover, she would be taking yet more time off.
“I want and fully expect to be able to resume my duties as district attorney once I’ve recovered from this illness”.
Hawk’s mother, Joanne McWithey, told KXAS-TV (NBC5) that Hawk had been “working every weekend, working late every day”.
It continued: “This followed the rapid-fire dismissals and resignations of the first months of her term, all amid accusations of paranoid behavior”.
Until now, many at the Frank Crowley Courthouse said they were left without explanation as to where the district attorney has been.
“It’s unusual to disappear and not have any official word as where you are”, said District Judge John Creuzot to News 8. “She’s doing good, a lot better”. She oversees 500 county employees including 250 prosecutors, according to the Dallas County budget office.
Hawk’s previously unexplained absence had generated numerous questions about the management of her office and her ability to perform her duties. It wasn’t immediately clear whether she was paid for the previous three weeks. “We commend Susan for her willingness to state the truth, but she hid the truth for weeks, after months of erratic behavior”. Hawk’s former campaign consultant, Mari Woodlief, said Hawk “doesn’t feel the need to do an interview on this, but she will send a statement later today”.
“Mental illness is a serious issue”, Carol Donovan, Dallas County Democratic Party Chair, told WFAA.
Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk speaks at a town hall meeting in May. “That office is still operating”, said Price. During that time, First Assistant Messina Madson will run the office. She defeated incumbent District Attorney Craig Watkins last fall.
Hawk, a Republican, and her top assistant did not return requests for comment. She also apologized that her absence had created an “unnecessary distraction”.
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Hawk admits she took time off during her campaign to go to rehab for a problem with painkillers but there’s no indication her current absence is related.
