Metro Atlanta DA sues county over pension dispute

Cobb County DA Sonya Allen claims the county is illegally withholding her retirement benefits.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Cobb County District Attorney Sonya Allen has filed a lawsuit against Cobb County, claiming the county is illegally withholding her retirement pension benefits since she took office as DA in 2025. Allen previously worked for the Cobb County Sheriff's Office for over 29 years before retiring in 2021 as chief deputy. The county claims Allen is a county employee, but she argues she is a state employee and therefore entitled to her pension.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the employment status and compensation of district attorneys in Georgia, who are considered state employees but often rely on county funding and supplements. Allen's lawsuit could set a precedent for how DAs' retirement benefits are handled across the state.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Cobb County suspended Allen's pension when she took office as DA in 2025, claiming she was rehired as a county employee. However, Allen argues she is a state employee and the county is breaking the law by withholding her retirement benefits. The lawsuit also claims Cobb County will only provide Allen a supplemental payment on top of her state salary if she agrees she is a county employee, which she is refusing to do.

  • Allen retired from the Cobb County Sheriff's Office in 2021 after 29 years of service.
  • Allen took office as Cobb County District Attorney in 2025.
  • The lawsuit was filed against Cobb County in February 2026.

The players

Sonya Allen

Cobb County District Attorney who is suing the county over her pension benefits.

Cobb County

The county that Allen is suing, claiming it is illegally withholding her retirement pension.

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What they’re saying

“If she has served her time helping us, then she does deserve to have her money. Everyone deserves to have their pension.”

— Heather King-Green, Cobb County resident (WSB-TV)

“A district attorney is a constitutional officer; they are in the state constitution, they are considered state employees, obviously the public elects them, so that's what they are. A district attorney is paid by the state. that payment comes through PAC after appropriations are made by the state of Georgia.”

— Pete Skandalakis, Executive Director of the Georgia Prosecuting Attorney's Council (WSB-TV)

What’s next

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for February 26, 2026, where the judge will determine if Cobb County is required to pay Allen's pension benefits.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the employment status and compensation of district attorneys in Georgia, who are considered state employees but often rely on county funding and supplements. Allen's lawsuit could set a precedent for how DAs' retirement benefits are handled across the state.