Judge dismisses case to remove Susan Hawk from office

A judge on Friday denied a request to issue a citation, essentially killing a lawsuit that sought to remove Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk from office.

Hawk cried tears of joy as she hugged her supporters in the Dallas County courtroom.

“I’m feeling fantastic. I knew the truth would come out,” Hawk said. “It’s like a black cloud has been lifted.”

Cindy Stormer, one of Hawk’s former assistants, filed the lawsuit and argued that the first-term Republican was not fit for office because of her erratic behavior before she took a leave to seek treatment for severe depression.

Two other former employees gave sworn statements alleging incompetency. They also made claimes about financial misconduct.

But, Hawk’s legal team filed statements of support from nearly a dozen current employees. One said there may have been personal differences between Hawk and her accuser, but that never affected work at the DA’s office.

Attorneys argued the evidence against Hawk was based solely on the premise of “five disgruntled employees fired by the district attorney.”

The judge decided there was not enough evidence for the case to proceed to a trial.

“I was doing this for the citizens of Dallas,” Stormer said. “I wish Miss Hawk the best and I’m glad she’s got the help she needs.”