US lawmaker refuses to resign over sexual assault allegation

A US lawmaker has refused to resign after allegations surfaced that he had molested a 17-year-old female member of his church.

Kentucky State Rep. Dan Johnson said Tuesday that the claim had "absolutely no merit," noting, "There’s no reason why I would resign."

"I know that today in this climate that we live in America with politics…it seems as though everyone gets accusations," Johnson said, noting that he has been investigated since he won the election last year.

"It's really sad that we end up with stories and investigations that are going on from all kinds of funding that are very partisan," he said.

According to court documents provided by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, the alleged incident occurred at the Heart of Fire City Church where Johnson was a pastor on New Year's Eve in 2012.

Johnson's accuser told authorities that the molestation took place when she was staying in a living area of the Heart of Fire City Church, adding he had been drinking at the time.

According to the same documents, the case, however, was closed since the accuser was “very busy” and simply “didn’t have time” to cooperate.

This comes as the United States grapples with the sexual assault and harassment scandals that have left the world of entertainment, business and politics in a state of shock.

There have been numerous allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against media figures as well as senior politicians including President Donald Trump himself.

So far, at least 16 women have accused Trump of unwanted sexual advances, claims the White House has rejected as false.