John C. Atkins | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 41st district | |
| In office November 6, 2002 – March 27, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Charles P. West |
| Succeeded by | vacant |
| In office November 5, 2008 – November 7, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Gregory Hastings |
| Succeeded by | Richard G. Collins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 29, 1970 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican (before 2008) Democratic (2008–2014) |
| Residence(s) | Millsboro, Delaware |
| Criminal information | |
| Criminal status | Released |
| Conviction(s) | Assault Breach of release |
| Criminal penalty | 22 days in prison plus 1 year probation |
Date apprehended | July 20, 2018 |
John C. Atkins (born April 29, 1970) is a former American politician and member of the Delaware House of Representatives from 2003 until 2014 representing District 41.[1][2] Atkins was originally elected as a Republican in 2002, then switched to the Democratic Party in 2008 after resigning over a drunk driving incident. He eventually lost his seat to newcomer Richard G. Collins in the 2014 general election.[3]
Atkins has been "repeatedly accused of violence against women" and arrested multiple times for domestic assault.[4][5][6] In August 2018, he pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and breach of release charges, and was sentenced to 22 days in prison along with one year of probation.[7]
Atkins has been repeatedly accused of violence against women. In 2016, he was charged with offensive touching and criminal mischief after a domestic dispute. Those charges were dropped for insufficient evidence. In 2014, Atkins was ordered to stay away from his estranged wife and their children after she complained of erratic and abusive behavior. In 2007, Atkins resigned from the House after using his legislative position to avoid a drunken driving arrest and being charged in a domestic dispute with his wife that same night.