Bombshell molestation allegations by his own daughter sinks Minnesota pol’s reelection bid – By Storm Gifford (nydailynews.com) / Sept 22 2018
A Minnesota state representative has quickly dropped his reelection bid after his own daughter claimed he had molested her over a 12-year period.
Republican Rep. Jim Knoblach has denied the allegations, calling them “indescribably hurtful” before stating he was quitting so he could repair his family, reported NBC News.
“I love my children more than anything, and would never do anything to hurt them. Her allegations are false,” Knoblach, 60, said in a written statement. “I and other family members have made repeated attempts to reconcile with her in recent years, but she has refused.”
Laura Knoblach, 23, told Minnesota Public Radio that her father inappropriately touched her from the ages of 9 to 21. She alleged her dad would kiss her, as well as lick and bite her ears. She also claimed to have confided in family, friends and church authority figures, reported NBC News.
The daughter also told MPR that she remembers her father entering her bedroom and falling sleep. She recalls him climbing in and laying down behind her. He also allegedly repeatedly pinned her against the dishwasher or refrigerator and then use his strength and size to prevent her from fleeing.
“He would put his arm around me and not let me get up or get away and he would lick my neck or bite my ear,” she told the station.
The sheriff’s office of Sherburne County began probing the case in 2017 but never filed charges.
Knoblach had been the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversaw budget matters.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-news-jim-knoblach-minnesota-molest-20180922-story.html
