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Kentucky lawmaker accused of sexual molestation dead from apparent suicide

Republican Kentucky state lawmaker Dan Johnson, who was accused this week of sexually molesting a 17-year-old girl, was reportedly found dead after an apparent suicide Wednesday night.

Republican Kentucky state lawmaker Dan Johnson, who was accused this week of sexually molesting a 17-year-old girl, was reportedly found dead after an apparent suicide Wednesday night.

The news comes just two days after the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting published a multi-chapter article alleging that in 2013, Johnson sexually assaulted Maranda Richmond, the then-teenage daughter of a friend. The report was bolstered by records apparently showing that Richmond had reported the assault to police shortly after it happened, but officers declined to file charges and ultimately closed the case.

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After the story was published, Johnson denied the accusations and repeatedly rebuffed calls to resign from both sides of the aisle.

Shortly before he was found death, a message was posted to the lawmaker’s Facebook:

“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 !”

According to local affiliate WDRB, Bullitt County Sheriff Donnie Tinnell Johnson says Johnson appeared to have shot himself on a bridge in Mount Washington, where a gun was recovered from the scene.