from www.nyfdailynews.com – He was once a revered judge, an African-American Democrat repeatedly elected in an Alabama county that was predominantly white and Republican.

But then came the scandal – and Herman Thomas’ world turned upside down.

Thomas, former Alabama Circuit Court judge, stands accused of sodomy, kidnapping, sex abuse, extortion, assault and ethics violations, AOL News reports. The trial starts on Monday.

The first charges against Thomas surfaced in 2001 when an inmate claimed that Thomas offered to help with the case in return for sex. Those charges were dismissed. But that wasn’t nearly the end of it.

Inmates then began claiming that Thomas forced them to strip down to their underwear and then spanked them. Others claimed he forced them to perform sex acts.

The charges shocked many who knew the judge.

“Everyone thought he had a lot of concern for people who got into criminal difficulty. All of this was a surprise to everyone,” retired Mobile County Circuit Judge Braxton Kittrell told AOL News.

“I’ve always had the highest regard for him. The allegations were a complete surprise to me and everyone else who knew him,” said former senator and Mobile attorney Bob Edington.

Thomas’ defense attorney Robert Clark says the charges are bogus, calling the accusers “lying felons.”

Fifteen inmates are prepared to testify against Thomas. The trial is expected to last several weeks.