ATLANTA — A principal accused in the widespread Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal says she is willing to risk it all and stand trial instead of taking a plea deal.
Former Dobbs Elementary Principal Dana Evans claims the charges against her are not true.
“You’re rolling the dice on 40 years?” Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne asked
“I’m rolling the dice on truth,” she responded. “I felt when this first happened like there was no reason to live and then I just prayed about it.”
Evans is charged with racketeering and four counts of making false statements and writings in the APS cheating case. She denied it all in an exclusive interview with Winne.
“I couldn’t live with myself if I lied,” Evans said. “Yes I’m afraid of the outcome… but I would never, could never, do anything to hurt the very group that I worked to save.”
Evans’ lawyer Bob Rubin said his client could have received a probation-only first-offender deal like other principals.
“I really am imploring the general public to wait, not to rush judgment, but just wait,” Rubin said. “It keeps me up at night because I want to do everything I can for Dana Evans because I believe her.”