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	Local Man a Defendant in Molestation Suit By Ashley Fuller Cherokee Tribune December 1, 2009 http://www.cherokeetribune.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Local+man+a+defendant+in+molestation+suit%20&id= 4971200-Local+man+a+defendant+in+molestation+suit&instance=home_news_left A Canton man is identified as a defendant in a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit filed against him as well as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America. The lawsuit was filed in California in November by three brothers who allege that William "Bill" Knox, 67, molested them, and the church ignored their complaints. According to the lawsuit, Knox used his position within the church and the Boy Scouts to sexually abuse the plaintiffs and at least one other child between 1977 and 1987 while they lived in California. Knox, who eventually married the mother of the plaintiffs, is described in the suit to have held positions such as church elder, church high priest and scout master. T. Jess Bowers, an attorney in Canton who is helping Knox find legal representation in California, released a statement on his behalf. "With respect to the present California lawsuit, the (Knoxes) believe it will ultimately be dismissed and hope that their Canton neighbors will appreciate what this civil lawsuit is really about," the statement said. The Knoxes moved to Canton to be closer to her son and his stepson, Dr. Michael Anderson, who is not involved in the lawsuit, but is a brother of the plaintiffs. Anderson and his wife operate the Children's Pediatric Center in downtown Canton. Reports filed this fall by two of Anderson's brothers with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office allege that Knox worked at the pediatric practice as a janitor. Another report referred to the agency by the Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services states they received allegations that Knox was living with Anderson, his wife and their two young children. Knox worked at the clinic between August and October as part of a building and maintenance staff supervised by David Ledford of Canton. Ledford said Knox did "occasional cleanup tasks after hours on evenings and weekends" at the clinic. Knox has stayed at his family's home for Christmas vacation, but has never lived there, Anderson said. Doug Flint, an attorney in Canton who represents Anderson, released a statement on his behalf. "Dr. Anderson regrets that some of his family's struggles have recently become part of a California court case. We believe that the display of this family's difficulties in a California courtroom belies the decency and goodwill that we know lies at the heart of the plaintiffs' character. Dr. Anderson's concern is that shrewd professionals pursuing their own self-interest are exploiting his brothers for financial gain. Our client only perceives further strife and injury to those whom he loves as a consequence of this litigation." Kelly Clark, a Portland, Ore. attorney, is representing the plaintiffs in the case. The plaintiffs' names are not a part of the lawsuit, which refers to them as John Doe 1, 2 and 3. "The purpose is to prevent child abuse in institutions where kids trust adults," he said of the lawsuit, noting the plaintiffs are pursuing civil action because the criminal statute of limitations has expired on the charges. "The only thing the law allows them to ask for is a money lawsuit." Allen Ruby, an attorney representing the Mormon Church in northern California, said he is unaware of a case where the courts found a church liable for abuse committed by a family member. "The allegations in this case are the plaintiffs were abused by their stepfather," Ruby said, adding the church will defend itself against the suit. An executive for the Boy Scouts Pacific Skyline Council, which is named in the suit, did not comment on the case. Contact: afuller@cherokeetribune.com
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