Alabama man accused of child sex abuse asks to donate kidney to brother in Mississippi
FLORENCE, Ala. – A former church worker in northern Alabama accused of child sexual abuse is asking a court to allow him to visit his ailing brother in Mississippi so he can donate one of his kidneys.
In a motion filed on Oct. 6, lawyers for Kelly Dale Crotts, 47, of Florence, are asking a Lauderdale County judge to allow him to travel to New Albany, Mississippi, AL.com reported.
Court documents state that Crotts’ brother is “experiencing health problems,” the news organization reported. Physicians have identified Crotts as a potential donor but more tests are needed.
Crotts surrendered to authorities in Lauderdale County on July 8 after a grand jury indicted him on three counts of felony indecent exposure, two counts of child abuse with sexual motivation and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, WHNT-TV reported.
Crotts has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to AL.com.
His attorney, Brad Phillips, stated in the request that Crotts is not a flight risk, saying his client is “known in the area, has cooperated with law enforcement and will respond to each and every order of this court.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency began an investigation of Crotts in May, WAAY-TV reported. Crotts is the owner of Full Court Press, a sportswear and screen-printing shop. Crotts was indicted after three victims testified to allegations of abuse involving Crotts, according to the television station.
Crotts also faces a lawsuit filed by three people who allege that the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Florence enabled him to victimize children while he worked in various leadership positions at the church, AL.com reported.
The unnamed plaintiffs accused Crotts of assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress/outrage, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and wantonness, deceit and misrepresentation, according to WHNT.
According to online court documents, Crotts is currently free after posting $43,500 bail, the television station reported. He cannot leave the state without authorization, according to AL.com.
No hearing has been scheduled on Crotts’ motion.
