State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, was in Greene County Criminal Court Friday and waived his arraignment, according to WCYB-TV.
He was indicted by the Grand Jury on Monday and faces a felony reckless endangerment charge after an incident in March involving his estranged wife, Crystal Goans. “This has been a nightmare,” Hawk said. “I strongly maintain my innocence in this situation.”
Judge John Duggar removed himself from the case because he knows Hawk and works with Goans.
In court, Duggar mentioned this is an unusual indictment because on the paperwork, the section code listed doesn’t match the charge that Hawk faces. The indictment states Hawk recklessly caused bodily injury to his spouse, but the code is for a reckless endangerment charge. “It’s a very bizarre process in this whole scenario,” Hawk said.
He said the case is takings its toll on everyone involved. “It’s stressful, especially on my family more than anything.”
Hawk was re-elected in November and will head back to Nashville in January for the new legislative session. He said despite the court case, he plans to continue working for the people of Greene County. “I enjoy the challenged of my service. I’m honored by the number of votes on election day. And I’m looking forward to continuing the work we do in Nashville,” said Hawk.
He is due back in court on May 30. The Tennessee Supreme Court will decide which judge will hear the case.
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See also WJHL-TV’s interview with Hawk: “I’m not sure why it’s happening. I’m not sure what’s happening…. In the meantime, I’m going to keep on doing my work, keep on being a daddy and do what I need to do.”