Dallas DA: Disappearance was 'episode of depression'
DALLAS — After an unexplained absence of more than three weeks, Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk revealed Tuesday she is undergoing treatment for a "serious episode of depression," and will take an additional month away from her office.
Hawk — just eight months into her four-year term — released a statement in which she said she had hoped to return to work this week, but elected to take more time off for treatment.
"I've decided 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," Hawk's statement said.
But her statement is in direct conflict with previous comments from Hawk's associates, who said the district attorney was just on "summer break."
"She tried to battle it by herself, and it's hard to do," said Joanne McWithey, Hawk's mother. "She's doing good, a lot better. She feels excited to get through this and get back to work."
McWithey said Hawk had never been diagnosed with depression before.
"She's doing good things. Once she learns to manage her current condition I think she'll do even better things," said Wade Emmert, Dallas County Republican Party chairman.
Until now, many at the Frank Crowley Courthouse said they were left without explanation as to where the district attorney has been. The rumors had taken on a life of their own as Hawk has repeatedly either failed to appear at scheduled events in recent weeks or canceled at the last minute.
"It’s unusual to disappear and not have any official word as to where you are," said District Judge John Creuzot. "And it lends itself to a lot of speculation ... and that’s not good.”
Tuesday's statement from Hawk said her second-in-command, Messina Madson, will be in charge until she returns.
As the county’s top law officer, Hawk makes $217,000, including her car allowance. She oversees about 500 county employees, a number that includes about 250 prosecutors.
Obviously, the situation leaves many — both Democrats and Republicans — wondering whether Hawk will be able to continue in her job. She has more than three years remaining in her term.
“Mental illness is a serious issue," said Carol Donovan, Dallas County Democratic Party chair. "We commend Susan for her willingness to state the truth, but she hid the truth for weeks, after months of erratic behavior. If Susan cannot do her job, for herself and for her office, she should resign.”
But Tuesday, County Judge Clay Jenkins, a Democrat, would not call on Hawk to resign. Even Commissioner John Wiley Price, another Democrat, said Hawk's absence is not affecting the daily duties at the district attorney's office.
"I don't have any concerns. That office is still operating," said Price. "The fact that the elected official isn't there doesn't seem to be affecting the office."
Hawk is the first Republican elected to a Dallas County office in a decade. She defeated incumbent District Attorney Craig Watkins last fall.
If she returns to work in a month, Hawk will have been away from her job as the county's top prosecutor for a total of seven weeks.
Hawk’s statement gave every indication that she plans to return to her office. She said she needs the extra time away so she can get healthy and resume her job. She also apologized that her absence had created an “unnecessary distraction.”
Hawk, who was sworn in Jan. 1, has been dogged by controversy nearly from the start.
There were the sudden firings of high-ranking prosecutors and veteran investigators; questions about her competence and mental stability, and reports of bizarre, paranoid behavior.
Hawk also admitted earlier this year that she secretly sought treatment for prescription drug use while on the campaign trail. Hawk claimed during the campaign that she had been away having back surgery. :
Her spokeswoman Tuesday again denied rumors that she is back in rehab.