MARIETTA, Georgia — Police records from Cobb County indicate that St. Croix Senatorial candidate Allison DeGazon was arrested for an alleged instance of domestic violence nearly 16 years ago.
Allison DeGazon was 28 years old when she was arrested on Dallas Road in Powder Springs, Georgia on suspicion of assault and battery on September 9, 2002.
“This was something I wanted to keep from my children but here goes,” DeGazon told the Virgin Islands Free Press. “I was 28 years old and with child when my ex and I got into a domestic altercation. We fought and we were both arrested but I was let go immediately with no charge.”
“In Georgia, once you fight or fight back, both parties are arrested while the incident is investigated. I will never allow anyone to put their hands on me and I protected my baby within me with my life. Counseling was sought and completed and we are now good friends and work well to raise our two children. My personal attackers are now bringing up a very personal and traumatic part of my past when I was faced with an isolated domestic situation.”
DeGazon, now 44, said a person on Facebook wanted to “attack” her with this accusation of a violent past, when actually it should be used as a learning experience for all women to know their rights under the law.
“This is why I am saddened by the lack of awareness, and will always push the importance of funding programs that support women in domestic violence situations.,” she said. “If making my life public helps another woman survive and thrive, then that isolated incident was not in vain.”
The arrest record, available on the Internet, lists DeGazon under her married name of “Allison Lisa Stallworth” at the time of her booking.
DeGazon, 44, finished second in the Democratic primary for Senator this month, behind only former DPNR Commission Alicia Barnes.
Virgin Islands Attorney General Claude Earl Walker has ruled that DeGazon is a bona fide resident of the territory and eligible to serve in the Legislature.
Her campaign theme on St. Croix is: “Play time is over.”