Man accuses ex-school superintendent of affair with wife

Sanford, N.C. — A Lee County man filed suit Monday against former Lee County School Superintendent James McCormick, alleging McCormick had a two-year affair with the man's wife.

Sherrill Normann Jr. is seeking monetary damages in the alienation-of-affection suit.

Normann alleged in the suit that McCormick, who resigned last month as superintendent amid rumors of "immoral conduct," had an affair with Margaret Dossenbach Normann for at least two years. Margaret Normann is a Lee County teacher, according to the suit.

"(McCormick) sought out and thereafter nurtured a romantic and sexual relationship with Mrs. Normann," the suit states. "By his actions, enticements and conduct, (he) induced Margaret Dossenbach Normann to abandon the marital relationship."

Sherrill Normann said he was humiliated by the affair, which "irretrievably damaged and destroyed" his marriage.

McCormick couldn't be reached Monday for comment.

He led the Lee County school system from 2004 until he abruptly stepped down June 30. Although the school board wouldn't discuss the reason for his resignation, one member confirmed to WRAL that allegations of misconduct had been made against McCormick.

Retired educator Gary Jackson has been named interim superintendent while the school board searches for a permanent replacement.

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sickofstupidpeople, the court cost they'd be paying wouldn't touch the amount of money paid out for this trial to cover the hours the judge, clerk of court, court reporter, and sheriff deputies on duty outside the courtroom would cost. THAT's how it's wasting taxpayers' money! He won't be paying nearly enough to cover that in paying court cost.

Um, all those people you listed are going to be doing those things anyway, those are their jobs. That's what they are paid to do. They are going to be paid whether there is a court case or not.

LCSDajoke
July 16, 2008 8:27 a.m.

Contrary to what many believe, it takes two to make a marriage. It only takes one to destroy it. When you get married, you make vows. These should not be taken lightly. It is a sad fact, but for some people marriage and family life is not as exciting as an affair or the lure of the single's night life. Someone needs to stay home and give the children some sense of normalcy. This man, and any other person who has been the victim of adultry, has the right to seek compensation for those who have contributed to the break in the marriage. It is hard to sit back and watch everything you have worked for all of your life taken away. For many people any sense of financial security is gone. Once the spouse leaves, you do not know what the children are being exposed to ( or maybe more importantly, who they are exposed to). I am surprised more errant spouses are not killed.

teacher-mom
July 15, 2008 9:58 p.m.

As a lifelong Sanford resident, I know each of the Normans personally. I can assure you, this suit is not about money. Sherrill has no need for McCormicks cash... this is all about humiliating him and Margaret Leigh. I'm guessing that the suit is also about deminishing Margaret's claim in the divorce settlement, and possibly, the custody suit. It's so sad that it had to come to this. Both Sherrill and Margaret are good people, however, Margaret was caught two years ago with this affair and Sherrill forgave and tried to put his marriage back together again. She was foolish to continue the affair. Could McCormick have had a hold over her? Could he have threatened her position within the school system? Ultimately, the superintendent grossly misused his position and should be punished for this affair. Margaret was well warned and had the opportunity to save her marriage and the humiliation that ultimately she endures. The biggest losers are the children of the marriage.

brickcitygirl1962
July 15, 2008 9:08 p.m.

sww1rb, you hit the nail on the head with this comment...."Is this about money??? Or just to drag names through the mud"

1Moms_View
July 15, 2008 7:18 p.m.

Anybody bringing this type of suit must be pretty confident they or someone else has hidden all their own misdeeds or fairly sure they won't come out.

1Moms_View
July 15, 2008 7:17 p.m.