- Kentucky state Rep. Dan Johnson has committed suicide amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
- Johnson is alleged to have sexually violated a 17-year-old girl during his daughter's sleep-over party.
Kentucky state Rep. Dan Johnson has committed suicide amid allegations of sexual misconduct, WDRB reported Wednesday.
Johnson's body, along with a gun, was reportedly found on a bridge in Mt. Washington, about 55 miles southwest of the capital city Frankfort.
Johnson previously refused to resign after he was accused of waking up his daughter's 17-year-old friend during a sleepover in 2013, and fondling her underneath her clothes.
The victim reportedly sent him a Facebook message following the alleged incident, according to the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting:
"What you did was beyond mean, it was evil. Drugged or not, I think you know what happened that night and that’s why you’re sending this message. I never thought something like that would happen to me, especially by someone like you. I looked at you as a Dad, but now I sincerely hope I don’t see you again, but I might try to maintain a relationship with your kids. And there is no point in responding to this message either because I don’t want to talk about it ever again."
Johnson claimed he sent a Facebook message to the woman that said he couldn't remember what took place that New Year's night because he was "drugged" at a bar, the Courier-Journal reported. He later said that he did remember the night in question; however, denied having entering the girl's room.
Following the allegations, he was encouraged by Democrats and Republicans to resign, the Courier-Journal said.
Johnson reportedly posted a now-removed message on his Facebook denying the allegations on Wednesday:
"The accusations from NPR are false GOD and only GOD knows the truth, nothing is the way they make it out to be. AMERICA will not survive this type of judge and jury fake news . Conservatives take a stand. I LOVE GOD and I LOVE MY WIFE, who is the best WIFE in the world,My Love Forever ! My Mom and Dad my FAMILY and all five of my kids and Nine grandchildren two in tummies and many more to come each of you or a total gift from GOD stay strong, REBECCA needs YOU . 9-11-2001 NYC/WTC, PTSD 24/7 16 years is a sickness that will take my life, I cannot handle it any longer. IT Has Won This Life . BUT HEAVEN IS MY HOME. “PLEASE LISTEN CLOSELY, Only Three things I ask of you to do,if you love me is (1)blame no person,Satan is the accuser, so blame the Devil himself. (2) Forgive and Love everyone especially yourself .(3)most importantly LOVE GOD. P.S. I LOVE MY FRIENDS YOU ARE FAMILY ! GOD LOVES ALL PEOPLE NO MATTER WHAT !"
Johnson, a self-described "pope" of his church's congregation and a Republican, said in multiple statements that the allegations were false and politically motivated. He also suggested that the accuser, now 21-years-old, supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and was against his conservative beliefs, the Courier-Journal reported.
During a press conference at his church, Johnson led the choir in hymns before issuing a statement.
"I don't want to blast this girl, I have a lot of compassion for her," Johnson said, according to the Courier-Journal. "I'm very sorrowful that she's in this dark place in her life."
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or visit its website to receive confidential support.
