Former Alabama Democratic State Sen. Doug Ghee faces serious allegations after being accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate during a visit to the Calhoun County Jail in July 2024.

The accusations against the lawmaker stem from a July visit where he allegedly assaulted a 29-year-old female inmate while she was handcuffed and shackled, as the Post Millennial reports.

The former senator had reportedly visited the inmate in an attorney-client meeting room, where the alleged misconduct took place.

Details Emerge About Alleged Misconduct

According to the lawsuit filed by the inmate, Ghee's actions were extreme and outrageous. The lawsuit claims that during their initial meeting, Ghee offered to secure a favorable plea deal in exchange for $2,500 and her agreement to become his “sex slave.”

The inmate, who is facing charges including obstruction of justice, promoting prison contraband, and possession of a controlled substance, alleges that Ghee implied he could influence local judges to secure a reduced sentence.

The inmate, already in a vulnerable state due to the severity of her charges, alleges that Ghee’s proposition raised her hopes of a lower sentence, only to shatter them with his demands. This initial encounter set the stage for a second, more disturbing meeting.

Inmate Alleges Further Assault During Second Meeting

During a second visit, the inmate claims that Ghee escalated his behavior. She alleges that Ghee kissed her and assaulted her by touching her throat and breast while she remained shackled. The lawsuit details how a corrections officer intervened during this interaction, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade confirmed that an investigation into the incident began in July and is still active. “I take this very seriously,” Wade stated, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations. The investigation is being conducted by both the sheriff's office and the Alabama Attorney General's Office.

Lawsuit Seeks Damages and Disciplinary Action

In response to the alleged assault, the inmate has filed a lawsuit against Ghee, seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuit also demands attorney fees and court costs, reflecting the significant legal battle ahead. The claims against Ghee include battery, extortion, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, false imprisonment, and wantonness.

Moreover, multiple complaints have been lodged with the Alabama Bar Association, calling for disciplinary action against Ghee. The nature of these complaints highlights the broader implications of the case, as they question Ghee’s professional conduct and ethical standards.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The community's reaction to the allegations against Ghee has been one of shock and concern. As a former state senator, Ghee held a position of trust and authority, making the accusations all the more alarming.

The case has sparked discussions about the power dynamics between attorneys and inmates, particularly in settings where the latter are vulnerable and reliant on the former for legal representation.

The ongoing investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and the sheriff’s department will be crucial in determining the validity of the inmate’s claims. As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge, potentially leading to further legal actions against Ghee.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The legal implications of this case are significant, as the charges against Ghee include not only sexual assault but also extortion and false imprisonment. If proven true, these allegations could result in severe consequences for Ghee, both legally and professionally.

From an ethical standpoint, the case raises important questions about the responsibilities of legal professionals when interacting with clients, particularly those who are incarcerated. The power imbalance in such situations makes it imperative for attorneys to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of this trust can have devastating effects.

Conclusion: Awaiting the Outcome

The allegations against former Alabama State Sen. Doug Ghee have brought to light serious concerns about misconduct in the legal profession.

The ongoing investigation will play a crucial role in determining the truth of the accusations. Meanwhile, the inmate's lawsuit seeks justice for the alleged assault and the emotional distress caused by Ghee's actions.

As the case unfolds, the legal community and the public will be watching closely, awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case.