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.