Deputy Kidnaps Woman During Traffic Stop, Sexually Assaults Her: Prosecutors

A 32-year-old former deputy sheriff in Dallas County, Alabama, is facing federal charges after he allegedly sexually assaulted and kidnapped a woman during a traffic stop while he was on duty in 2020, according to federal prosecutors.

The former deputy sheriff, identified as Joshua Davidson, also lied about the incident while speaking with state investigators, according to a Justice Department news release.

Davidson has been charged with several counts, including deprivation of the woman's rights under color of law, kidnapping and witness tampering, according to court documents cited by the newspaper Belleville News-Democrat.

If convicted, Davidson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to the news release.

Following the alleged incident, Davidson was fired by the Dallas County Sheriff's Office from his position as a deputy in early 2020 and has been complying with court orders since then, his attorney Gordon Armstrong told McClatchy News in a statement.

On Jan. 30, 2020, Davidson allegedly used a "dangerous weapon" when he kidnapped and sexually abused the victim in broad daylight during a traffic stop in Selma, Alabama, according to an indictment.

He then allegedly made a misleading statement to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency special agents regarding the alleged sexual assault and kidnapping, the indictment said.

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum spoke with WSFA about the allegations against Davidson in July 2020 as Davidson was being investigated.

"You know, it angers you. It really does, because you give them an opportunity for a job," Granthum said to the outlet. "And the mic was not used in this stop and that's a red flag. He didn't notify dispatch of his location."

A motion was filed by prosecutors Thursday requesting that the court detain Davidson at his detention hearing after he made a court appearance Wednesday for an arraignment, according to court records and his attorney.

Prosecutors said they believe Davidson is "a flight risk and danger to the community," Armstrong told McClatchy News.

Davidson previously fled Alabama to New Hampshire after telling law enforcement he would surrender to charges filed against him in the state in 2020, The Portsmouth Herald reported.

The prosecution's motion to detain Davidson was denied by the court after Armstrong detailed his client's background and said that Davidson maintains a job while caring for his children and disabled mother.

"In addition to his record of compliance with court orders, he's also demonstrated stability and loyalty to his family," Armstrong said.

Since being fired by the Dallas County Sheriff's office, Davidson has reportedly been working in the private sector, his lawyer said. Details about his current employment were not disclosed.