Clayton Mom Tanja Hale Convicted for Lying

Feb 7, 2009 - 11:54
Dec 6, 2012 - 11:58
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A Clayton County mother was convicted this week of lying about where she lived to send her child to another school district. Now, the woman is a convicted felon. The mother spoke out Saturday about a conviction she insists is unfair.

Tanja Hale decided not to hire a lawyer for her trial because she thought no jury would convict her. Hale said she has been punished, not for lying but for trying to be a responsible parent.

Henry County prosecutors said Hale lied in 2007. Prosecutors allege Hale was living in Clayton County, but signed an affidavit indicating she lived in McDonough and was eligible to send her son to Luella High School in Locust Grove.

Hale and her brother-in-law were convicted of making a false writing. Jurors reached a three day trial in which Hale and her brother-in-law represented themselves.

Hale and her brother-in-law were sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $1,000 in fines. The pair must also perform 100 hours of community service and pay the Henry County school district more than $1,000 in restitution.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.