FAST FACTS:
Republican Tennessee State Senator Paul Stanley is a card-toting family values man. On his official website he describes himself as conservative, reliable and honorable.
But there are allegations seeping out that the senator from Germantown was having a sexual relationship with a legislative intern.
"When you're married, there's a commitment there."
That's Stanley last year discussing legislation to keep gay people from adopting children.
We're learning the senator's commitment to his wife is in question.
A newly released arrest affidavit outlines how 27-year-old Joel Watts hatched a plan, back in April, to blackmail the 47-year-old husband and father.
According to the affidavit, he was engaged in a sexual relationship with Mckensie Morrison, a 22-year-old legislative intern.
And it appears Stanley wasn't the only object of her affection. Records show she was also involved in a relationship with Watts at the same time.
Investigators say Watts claimed to have found a memory disc with explicit pictures of Morrison that appeared to have been taken in Stanley's Nashville apartment. Police accuse Watts of sending Stanley text messages and calling him, demanding Stanley pay $10,000 to get the disc back.
That's when Stanley went to TBI agents who arrested Watts.
No one answered the door at Stanley's Germantown home. Instead, he released this statement.
"Unfortunately, I am the victim and a witness to crime in an ongoing investigation. At this time, I have been advised by authorities and the District Attorney's office not to comment. There is already misinformation being inferred regarding this matter which I look forward to clearing up at the appropriate time."
Watt's is charged with theft of property. His case was heard Tuesday and bound over to the grand jury. We've learned Morrison works for her family insurance company. Austin Peay State University's website touts her as one of two students selected for the legislative internship program.
- Republican State Senator allegedly extorted for explicit pictures
- Court records allege he was having an affair
- Woman was a legislative intern
Republican Tennessee State Senator Paul Stanley is a card-toting family values man. On his official website he describes himself as conservative, reliable and honorable.
But there are allegations seeping out that the senator from Germantown was having a sexual relationship with a legislative intern.
"When you're married, there's a commitment there."
That's Stanley last year discussing legislation to keep gay people from adopting children.
We're learning the senator's commitment to his wife is in question.
A newly released arrest affidavit outlines how 27-year-old Joel Watts hatched a plan, back in April, to blackmail the 47-year-old husband and father.
According to the affidavit, he was engaged in a sexual relationship with Mckensie Morrison, a 22-year-old legislative intern.
And it appears Stanley wasn't the only object of her affection. Records show she was also involved in a relationship with Watts at the same time.
Investigators say Watts claimed to have found a memory disc with explicit pictures of Morrison that appeared to have been taken in Stanley's Nashville apartment. Police accuse Watts of sending Stanley text messages and calling him, demanding Stanley pay $10,000 to get the disc back.
That's when Stanley went to TBI agents who arrested Watts.
No one answered the door at Stanley's Germantown home. Instead, he released this statement.
"Unfortunately, I am the victim and a witness to crime in an ongoing investigation. At this time, I have been advised by authorities and the District Attorney's office not to comment. There is already misinformation being inferred regarding this matter which I look forward to clearing up at the appropriate time."
Watt's is charged with theft of property. His case was heard Tuesday and bound over to the grand jury. We've learned Morrison works for her family insurance company. Austin Peay State University's website touts her as one of two students selected for the legislative internship program.
