[ad_1]
Representative Jim Knoblach announced Friday that he would not seek re-election despite allegations from his adult daughter, Laura, that her father had inappropriately touched her for more than 10 years.
(Republican Majority of Minnesota)
The Minnesota State Representative, Jim Knoblach, announced Friday that he would end his re-election campaign despite allegations that he improperly touched his adult daughter for more than 10 years.
The 60-year-old Minnesota Republican's sudden announcement came hours after his lawyer denied the allegations in an interview with Minnesota state radio.
Knoblach's 23-year-old daughter, Laura Knoblach, came to the station to tell her story after saying she had exhausted all other means.
She alleged that the earliest memory of her father's inappropriate behavior went back to the age of nine and that she had continued until the age of 21. His charges include kisses, licking and inappropriate bites.
Laura Knoblach told MPR that she remembers that her father came into his room after falling asleep. He climbed into bed and lay beside her.
"He put his arm around me and did not let me get up or leave and he would lick my neck or bite my ear," she told the station.
She alleges other acts, including at least 30 cases where Knoblach approached her from behind in the kitchen and squeezed against her, pounding her against the refrigerator or the dishwasher.
Laura says she's entrusted to close friends and family and even the police, but to no avail.
The St. Cloud Police Department and the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office began an investigation last year but declined to file a complaint.
She provided numerous documents to the station about her attempts to get help, including a letter from the Sherburne County District Attorney's Office stating that there was "insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jim Knoblach had committed a crime ".
The St. Cloud Police Service did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for reasons for the charges not being filed.
Knoblach firmly denied the allegations.
In a written statement, he stated that his daughter "has been separated from our family for some time".
In late 2016, she made extremely hurtful and misleading accusations about a Facebook message, which was briefly posted and then removed.These charges were the subject of a full Sherburne County investigation, dismissed and the case closed in April 2017 ".
Knoblach did not return several Fox News attempts for comment.
As chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and in a popular seat, the departure of Knoblach will not allow Republicans to organize a written campaign by a deputy candidate.
It is likely that Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud, the Democratic candidate, will win the elections.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source link
