State Senator allegedly blackmailed over affair

Chairman of Senate Commerce will resign committee post, according to sources, cooperating with Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Paul Stanley

State Sen. Paul Stanley (R-Memphis) will resign his chairmanship of the Senate Commerce Committee tomorrow, NashvillePost.com has learned, in the wake of the revelation that he was the subject of an attempted blackmail scheme over a sexual relationship with an intern in his office.

According to documents filed in Davidson County Criminal Court, Stanley was in a relationship with McKensie Morrison, a 23-year-old student from Austin Peay State University. At the same time, Morrison was involved in a relationship with Joel Watts of Nashville, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Watts has been charged with extortion, a felony. The charging affidavit states:

“While in this relationship, Watts discovered that Morrison was engaged in a sexual relationship with Paul Stanley. Watts discovered a memory disc with explicit photographs of Morrison. These photographs appeared to be taken in Stanley's apartment.

"On April 8, 2009, Watts began contacting Stanley via text messages and phone calls. During these contacts, Watts demanded Stanley pay him $10,000 for the photographs. Watts communicated to Stanley if he did not pay the money, the photographs would be sent to other individuals, including the media. Releasing the photographs to individuals or the media would cause embarrassment, both professionally and personally to Stanley.

"On April 8, 2009, Stanley contacted the TBI for assistance. TBI, working with Stanley, recovered text messages where these demands were made. At TBI's instruction, Stanley informed Watts he would be able to meet with him on April 9, 2009.

On April 9, 2009, Watts again contacted Stanley via text messages and demanded that Stanley meet him and pay him the money. Subsequently, a controlled delivery of $10,000 was organized and made to Watts. The delivery was made behind a El Rey Azteca Mexican restaurant, located in Whites Creek, Davidson County, Tenn.

"When Watts arrived, he and Stanley exchanged the memory disc for the $10,000.00. Watts was taken into custody at that time. During a subsequent interview, Watts admitted to demanding the money from Stanley.”

The case against Watts has been referred to the Davidson County Grand Jury.

Stanley, contacted by NashvillePost.com, said that due to the ongoing investigation and as a witness to a criminal act, he is unable to comment on the matter at this time.