JUVENILE COURT JUDGE WHO LEFT TODDLER HOME ALONE DID NOT COMMIT A FELONY SAYS DISTRICT ATTORNEY PAUL HOWARD

JUDGE NINA HICKSON'S CASE NOW MOVES TO THE SOLICITOR GENERAL

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announced that after careful consideration of the evidence against Judge Nina Hickson, he has determined she did not commit a felony in connection with the investigation surrounding the Judge and her (4) year old daughter. Mr. Howard also determined that despite the fact that Hickson was a public official at the time, any possible criminal charge against her would not require grand jury presentation.

District Attorney Howard made this determination after reviewing evidence received from the Atlanta Police Department on March 26, 2004.

On 30 November, 2003 Judge Hickson's daughter Wesley was found walking alone on Hogan Road in Atlanta at approximately 1:08 AM. The child was found by a passing motorist and was unharmed. Judge Hickson told investigators the child was asleep and she'd left her home alone to pick up luggage from the airport. Hickson who was the Chief Fulton County Juvenile Court Judge has since resigned her position. Mr. Howard has forwarded the investigation to Solicitor General Carmen Smith who will determine whether the evidence warrants misdemeanor prosecution.

CONTACT: Jada Dawkins, 404-730-0195 (office)