Former Dobbs Elementary teacher Dessa Curb was found not guilty of Violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act False Statements and Writings.
She left the Fulton County Courthouse today all smiles standing alongside her attorney Sanford Wallack and her sister Aleesa Williams. Eleven co-defendants were found guilty.
In the original indictment, 35 educators were accused of conspiring to change student answers on standardized tests by a Fulton County grand jury. Twenty one took plea deals and the remaining chose to stand trial, including former national award winning superintendent Dr. Beverly Hall, 68, who passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on March 2, 2015, and D.H. Stanton Elementary School former principal Dr. Willie Davenport, 66, who passed away on September 4, 2013, after a battle with breast cancer as well. Hall resigned from her position in 2011 and denied any role in the cheating scandal until her death.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed issued this statement to press: “The APS cheating scandal marked one of the darkest periods in the life of our city. I am hopeful that with the jury’s verdict today, we can finally close this chapter and move forward with the education and development of our young people. I want to thank Judge Baxter and the Court for their service.”
