Mich. Congressman Denies Claim That He Sexually Abused Second Cousin 50 Years Ago

Dale Kildee, the 18-term Congressman representing Michigan's 5th District, is strongly denying allegations made by distant family members that the lawmaker molested a 12-year-old male second cousin 50 years ago. Patrick Kildee suffers from mental illness and behavioral issues, and relatives claim he endured separate instances of sexual molestation for 5 years at the hands of his cousin Dale 50 years ago.

The Washington Times reported Sunday on the allegations against the Michigan lawmaker who serves on the House Early Childhood Committee and has oversaw the House Page Program:

"Jon Yinger a broadcaster, interviewed Patrick's mother Jane, his step father, and sister who discussed with Mr. Yinger about the disturbing allegations regarding the Michigan Congressman.

'We encouraged (Rep. Kildee) to run for office and even went down to Flint to spur him on,' said Patrick's mother. 'He spent almost every weekend at our house...it turns out, in my son’s bed.'”

A local TV station in Saginaw, Michigan, is scheduled to run an expose on the alleged abuse on Monday.POLITICO reports that the Democratic congressman is calling the accusations "completely false and shameful."

“This is a concerted effort by distant relatives, two of whom have a long history of mental illness and multiple run-ins with the law, along with political adversaries to destroy my reputation by lying about something that never took place more than 50 years ago," Kildee said in a statement released by his office on Sunday night.

Kildee announced in July that he would not seek another term, and his nephew Dan Kildee is running for his uncle's vacated seat.

"Republicans tried to peddle these scurrilous allegations during my last congressional race and authorities and reputable news outlets rejected these false allegations," Kildee said in the statement issued Sunday. "Now they are back at it again to try to win an open congressional seat."

AP notes that Kildee speculated that the accusers may have been motivated by blackmail, and the Congressman distributed a copy of a letter, dated Jan. 12, 1988, which he says is the last communication he has had with his second cousin, the alleged victim. The letter addresses the congressman as "My Dear Cousin Dale" and asks for assistance in combating hunger in Zimbabwe.

Kildee will be holding a press conference Monday to refute the allegations. When approached by the Washington Times on his way to the airport Sunday, Kildee said of the allegations; "There's no shred of truth to it."

"I'm going to respond and let people judge," he added.

Kildee gave similar comments to America's Morning News at Reagan National Airport Sunday.