Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, speaks to a colleague before the start of the session of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 11, 2023. Estes has agreed to settle a case that alleged he made violent threats to a woman, according to a Thursday court filing. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)
Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, who faced accusations of making violent threats to a woman, has agreed to settle the case, according to a court filing Thursday.
Estes, 57, was charged with 3rd degree domestic violence charges on Sept. 20 after he allegedly made verbal threats to a person for two hours. The person who filed the petition for protection from abuse alleged that a gun was involved and that she was afraid she would be seriously injured.
Third-degree domestic violence is a class A misdemeanor. Conviction can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of $6,000.
In exchange for dismissal of the charges, the settlement states that a protective order issued in September will remain in effect for another two years. Any contact between the two people would be a breach of the order. Estes also agreed to pay court costs and complete a state-certified intervention program called the PEACE program, which is a course that “confronts abusers’ belief system and use of power and control.”
The case could be reinstated if he violates the terms in the protective order, and the order could be extended.
Messages seeking comment were left Thursday with attorney for both parties.
Marion County Circuit Court Judge Talmage Lee Carter had previously denied a motion to seal proceedings and ordered Estes to pay temporary relief of $800 per month to the alleged victim. Carter denied a request for Estes to pay attorney fees at the time.
Estes was elected in 2018 to the Alabama House of Representatives and was re-elected in 2022. He has also served on the Marion County Board of Education, according to Ballotpedia.
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