Multiple sources familiar with the ongoing criminal proceedings against disgraced ex-politician/ former reality television star Thomas Ravenel tell us there have been several “major developments” in the case over the last few days.
And yes, these developments may have been what prompted Ravenel’s latest machinations …
Specifically, we are told attorneys representing the former male lead of Bravo TV’s Southern Charm were presented with a plea offer related to his September 2018 arrest on a second degree assault and battery charge. Details of the rumored plea deal were not immediately provided, although it is our understanding Ravenel’s attorneys were told in no uncertain terms that if the 56-year-old playboy didn’t accept the offer – he would likely wind up facing a felony first degree assault charge.
Carrot and stick, right?
This news outlet reached out to multiple sources in the office of S.C. ninth circuit solicitor Scarlett Wilson, however none of them were willing to discuss any aspect of the case with us on the record. Still, the possibility of a first degree assault charge being filed against Ravenel would seem to indicate prosecutors believe they have a compelling case to make against the Charleston, S.C. native, who stands accused of sexually assaulting the former nanny to the two children he fathered with his ex-girlfriend and former Bravo co-star Kathryn Calhoun Dennis.
The assault allegations against Ravenel were graphically documented in a probable cause affidavit accompanying Ravenel’s arrest last fall.
Prior to being arrested for his alleged assault of nanny Dawn Ledwell, Ravenel was accused of settling out of court with another alleged assault victim in July of 2016. Those reports were advanced by the daughter of the victim, Florida-based model and real estate agent Ashley Perkins – however Perkins has since emerged as a supporter of Ravenel in his case against Ledwell.
Go figure …
[su_dominion_video_scb]Neither Ravenel nor his attorneys have responded to requests for comment from this news outlet, however last spring Ravenel issued a blanket denial in relation to any allegation of assault.
“I’ve never assaulted a woman in my life,” he told us at the time.
In addition to criminal charges brought by the state on her behalf, Ledwell has also filed a civil suit against Ravenel and multiple corporate defendants – alleging that the show which made him a national celebrity also enabled and empowered some of his worst behavior.
Meanwhile Ravenel and Dennis remain embroiled in a caustic custody dispute – one which reportedly saw a flurry of filed paperwork last week.
Specifically, we are told attorneys for Ravenel have issued a wide-ranging discovery request related to that case in the hopes of proving a conspiracy against him.
In addition to these courtroom dramas, Ravenel has filed his own lawsuit against Bravo TV and Southern Charm’s producers – and is involved in yet another legal action with a California canon lawyer, Luzanne Otte. According to Otte, Ravenel and his contemporary girlfriend Ashley Jacobs harassed and cyber-stalked her over the course of a year after Otte broke off her relationship with the reality star.
Jacobs and Ravenel were spotted together in Charleston, S.C. this week at Dudley’s On Ann, an LGBT-friendly bar that frequently features drag queens as its star entertainers.
Ravenel was elected treasurer of South Carolina in 2006, but was forced to step down the following year after being arrested on federal drug charges. He eventually pleaded guilty in connection with that case and served ten months in a federal prison. Ravenel ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2004 as a Republican – nearly advancing to a GOP runoff election – and again in 2014 as a petition candidate.
As we noted in breaking the news of Ravenel’s arrest in September 2018, he should be considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system – or until such time as he may wish to issue a pleading in connection with the charge filed against him.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our stories? Please feel free to submit your own guest column or letter to the editor via-email HERE. Got a tip for us? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE. Want to support what we’re doing? SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Banner: Meaww