MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. — A Morgan County jury has convicted a Tennessee inmate of sexually assaulting a correctional officer inside the prison where he is serving time.
On Feb. 19, a jury found 25-year-old Montarius Douglas guilty of sexual battery following a trial in Morgan County Criminal Court, District Attorney General Russell Johnson announced.
The conviction stems from an Oct. 19, 2024 incident at the Morgan County Correctional Complex. According to proof presented at trial, Correctional Officer Amanda Gunter was attempting to open a secured door between the 22 Alpha/Bravo housing unit and the center core area when Douglas approached her from behind and grabbed her buttocks without her consent.
Institutional video captured the assault, and an internal investigation confirmed what occurred, prosecutors said.
Under Tennessee law, sexual battery includes unlawful sexual contact accomplished without the consent of the victim. Jurors heard evidence that Douglas initiated the contact from behind while Gunter was performing her official duties.
During the trial, Douglas claimed the officer had touched his shoulder and that he interpreted the contact as a “green light” to engage in sexual touching because he had not been touched by a woman since being incarcerated at age 18. The jury rejected that explanation and returned a guilty verdict.
“This case was about accountability and protecting those who protect us,” Johnson said in a statement. “Correctional officers work in challenging and often dangerous environments. They deserve to perform their duties free from harassment and assault (either physical or sexual). The jury’s verdict affirms that unwanted sexual contact will not be excused or minimized.”
Douglas is currently serving a 15-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter out of Gibson County. Records show he remains housed at the Morgan County Correctional Complex and has a confirmed gang affiliation as a member of the Gangster Disciples.
