Alabama legal circles have been rocked by serious allegations against attorney Doug Ghee, who is also a former state senator. A lawsuit filed on Tuesday claims Ghee sexually assaulted a female inmate at the Calhoun County Jail.
The legal filing outlines multiple accusations, including battery, extortion, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, and wantonness. Included with Ghee's name, his law firm, Ghee, Draper & Alexander, and associates are also implicated.
The lawsuit details incidents from July 12, when Ghee visited the jail to provide legal counsel for the inmate, who was facing significant charges. At the time, she was incarcerated for obstruction of justice and had additional charges pending.
During legal visits, inmates are kept handcuffed and shackled, which raises serious concerns about the power dynamics at play. Ghee is accused of having manipulated this situation by claiming connections with powerful individuals, like the judge and assistant district attorney on the woman’s case.
According to the complaint, Ghee allegedly promised to secure better legal representation for the inmate if she agreed to certain terms. Specifically, he purportedly attempted to extort $2,500 from her and demanded she consent to become his “sex slave” upon release.
Subsequent courtroom visits only intensified the allegations. On July 17, during another consultation, Ghee reportedly assaulted the inmate after she attempted to leave, insisting their discussion wasn’t over.
The complaint starkly notes the lack of consent from the inmate during these encounters. “If you want to go home then you are not ready for the visit to end,” he allegedly told her as he continued to kiss and touch her.
This disturbing behavior reportedly included Ghee placing his hand around her throat. It took the intervention of a corrections officer to stop him, which the lawsuit describes as heroic.
Ghee's actions violate Alabama law, which states inmates cannot legally consent to sexual contact with others, including legal counsel. This situation underlines serious concerns about the practices and conduct expected from attorneys, especially those who have power over their clients.
Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade confirmed on social media there is currently an investigation underway related to the allegations. While he did not disclose Ghee’s name at the time, he emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
Wade stated, “I take this very seriously, and the investigation is on-going.” The sheriff’s office has also coordinating efforts with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation is described as substantial, gathering digital evidence and involving several witnesses. Wade indicated the complaints to the Alabama Bar Association number five and are being taken seriously.
Requests for comments from Ghee's law firm remain unreturned, leaving many pressing questions unanswered. Concerns linger over the adequacy of the legal representation for the inmate amid these troubling allegations.
After the July incident, Chief Circuit Court Judge Shannon Page took action to remove Ghee from the voluntary indigent defense list, effective from July 19. This administrative order permits judges to withdraw Ghee as appointed counsel from any cases pending.
The recent allegations have not only serious impinging effects on Ghee’s legal career but also on the broader legal framework governing attorney-client relationships, especially within the corrections system. Before this dark chapter, Ghee had been part of Alabama's Bar Association since 1975 and was known for his public service.
The filing for damages is expected to seek both compensatory and punitive measures against Ghee. The ramifications of this situation not only impact Ghee's future but also shine a light on the need for accountability within the legal practice.
The case highlights the troubling dynamics of power and trust placed within attorney-client relationships, especially concerning vulnerable individuals like incarcerated women. Observers are likely to follow this case closely, advocating for justice and investigation findings.
Advocacy groups have also chimed in, stressing the need for systemic changes within the legal system to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The hope is to provide safer environments where trust and professional boundaries are upheld.
Meanwhile, the Alabama State Bar’s response remains shrouded by confidentiality rules, complicates matters for both parties involved. The complex nature of these investigations necessitates thorough examination and due process to arrive at appropriate conclusions.
This situation raises critical questions about ethics, conduct, and the need for stringent safeguards against exploitation within the legal system. Moving forward, both the public and legal authorities must prioritize reforms to maintain integrity and protect the most vulnerable.