The case regarding the removal of Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk from office took another step forward Tuesday.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court appointed Ellis County Attorney Patrick Wilson to represent the state in the case against Susan Hawk, who has admitted to battling depression.
The lawsuit, which claims that Hawk is incompetent, was filed on behalf of fired Administrative Chief Cindy Stormer.
San Antonio Judge David Peeples requested that a county attorney from an adjacent county handle the case on behalf of the state because Hawk, who normally would represent the state, cannot try the case against herself.
Hawk’s bout with depression resulted in a stay a psychiatric hospital earlier this year.
Commissioners Court Judge Clay Jenkins said the appointment is not an endorsement of the push to remove Hawk from office.
“We have not looked at any evidence other than what we talked about,” Jenkins said. “We simply responded to a written request from Judge Peeples for an order.”
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The vote to appoint Wilson was unanimous.
Wilson was out of the office this week for a scheduled medical procedure but he offered this statement after learning of his appointment:
"This matter has been the subject of intense media and public scrutiny. With this matter now pending in court, the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct limit what should be said by any of the involved attorneys. An uncommon duty has been imposed upon me not by choice, but by the law of the State of Texas. I intend to perform my due diligence and proceed accordingly."
