Staff File Photo by Allison Kwesell/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Tonya Craft, left, holds her husband David Craft's hand as they walk toward their car after testifying during her trial at the Catoosa County Courthouse in Ringgold, Ga.After more than two and a half years of bitter infighting over molestation charges and child custody, Tonya Craft and her ex-husband on Friday agreed on a settlement they say "is in the best interest of their children."
The announcement came on the heels of a week of testimony in Hamilton County Circuit Court in the custody case. Details are private, but Craft and her ex-husband, Joal Henke, both said they are happy with the outcome.
"We will work together," Craft said before signing documents with Henke. "It's a real relief, and it's time to move forward. It's a united front, and I'm blessed to have that.
The custody case began this week in Hamilton County Circuit Court, nearly six months after she was acquitted in Catoosa County Superior Court on 22 counts of child molestation, aggravated child molestation and aggravated sexual battery.
"There have been a lot of prayers, a lot of tears. A 3,000-pound elephant has been lifted," Craft said. "We had to discuss and work through emotions."
Craft's criminal trial lasted five weeks and included titillating details about the couple's private lives. It dominated news in North Georgia and Chattanooga and drew national coverage.
The former North Georgia kindergarten teacher lost custody of her children and any contact with her daughter after she was charged in June 2008 with inappropriately touching the girl and two of her daughter's friends.
Since the trial, she has spent time with her children, but both she and Henke came to court wanting full custody of their young son and daughter.
Friends, co-workers and fellow church members of Craft and Henke testified that the two were good parents and loved the children.
Many witnesses said that Craft's relationship with her daughter has not been marred by the criminal trial.
Henke smiled and laughed with Craft after their announcement, but held back tears when it was his turn to speak.
"It was time," Henke said, standing between his current wife, Sarah Henke, and Craft. "We aren't concerned about the past stuff. That's not as important as what we do now. We are going to do it together. ... We are going to raise two beautiful, wonderful kids."
The custody case was entering its fifth day when attorneys said they were going to take a lengthy break.
Henke and Craft weren't there, but they appeared just before Circuit Judge Marie Williams announced the settlement.
"This is a wonderful gift you are giving to your children," Williams said in court. "This is a wonderful Christmas present."
Some friends and family members, though, seemed shocked after the announcement.
"After two and a half years it's over," Betty Faires, Craft's mother, was overheard saying to a friend.
"I don't know if I can forgive," another friend said to Faires.
A $25 million federal lawsuit Craft filed against her accusers, including Henke, is still pending. Her attorneys said they are unsure what the resolution in the custody case will mean for the suit.
"I haven't figured that out yet," said Scott King, one of Craft's attorneys.
Contact staff writer Joan Garrett at jgarrett@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6601.