Craig Watkins, Dallas County's first black district attorney, has died.
Mr. Watkins, 56, was elected district attorney of Dallas County in 2006. He was the most likely candidate to win at a time when Republicans dominated local politics and many Democrats decided to sit out the race.
Dallas County, especially the District Attorney's Office, has long been known for being tough on crime. Success was often measured by conviction rates and length of prison sentences. Watkins' message to voters was a departure from that. He spoke about the underlying issues that led to criminal behavior and advocated for rehabilitation programs.
He gained national fame by relying heavily on DNA evidence and keeping his promise to free wrongly convicted prisoners. Shortly after being elected, Mr. Watkins created the Conviction Integrity Division, which focuses on identifying defendants who have been wrongfully sent to prison. The unit has been credited with helping free nearly 30 wrongfully convicted people.
Current Dallas County District Attorney John Clouzot said: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague Craig Watkins. Craig was a bright and ambitious man who was forced to take his life too soon.'' It's a tragedy, but he leaves a legacy behind.” It's a powerful legacy. ”
Clouzot said in a statement Tuesday evening that Watkins' “zealous dedication to prosecuting child abuse cases and the creation of the nation's first Conviction Integrity Unit are evidence of his vision and ability to effect change.” ” he said.
However, Watkins' reputation also took a bit of a hit as there were several controversies during his tenure.
Watkins is accused of trying to shut down an investigation by a former FBI agent hired by county commissioners to investigate complaints against two officers. It came after commissioners criticized his reluctance to investigate charges against officers.
One of the officers was eventually convicted on organized crime charges for conducting an illegal lottery and given a two-year suspended sentence. The other man was charged with falsifying government records and agreed to a one-year deferred sentence.
Mr. Watkins' license to practice law was also suspended for failing to pay state bar fees. His office lost experienced lawyers and had frequent feuds with county commissioners.
During a particularly distressing period, the DA's public order division began investigating a vegetable and butterfly garden that former county commissioner Maureen Dickey had installed at the Highway Bridge District headquarters. Nothing came of it.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price said he learned of Watkins' death in the morning, but didn't believe it until Watkins' mother confirmed the news.
“At the end of the day, the scales of justice are better because of Craig Watkins and the team he assembled,” Price said. “…What I call restorative justice, that will always be his legacy no matter what else.”
Watkins is a Dallas native and earned his law degree from Texas Wesleyan University. When he ran for prosecutor, his legal experience consisted primarily of a brief stint as a public defender and a point-of-purchase law practice.
Watkins was once re-elected, but lost to a Republican opponent in 2014 and returned to private practice.
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