A candidate running for a Kentucky House seat who was indicted by a federal grand jury says he is innocent of the charge and won't withdraw from the race.
The Daily News ports Democrat John Wayne Smith of Smiths Grove made the comments Thursday to a group of supporters at the Edmonson County Courthouse. His comments came a day after the Democratic Party asked him to withdraw.
Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday along with five other current or former officials with the Bluegrass Challenge Academy at Fort Knox. He is charged with failing to report an allegation of sex abuse.
Smith is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Michael Meredith in House District 19, which includes portions of Edmonson and Warren counties.