THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: Tuesday, January 9, 1996 TAG: 9601090244 SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA SOURCE: STAFF REPORT DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
A Republican candidate for the Dare County Board of Commissioners said Monday that a sexual molestation suit filed against him is a blackmail attempt, and that he will fight the suit in court.
Hiram Gallop, an 82-year-old retired ship's captain from Wanchese, is seeking the seat currently held by Clarence Skinner. A complaint filed last week by an 18-year-old Virginia Beach woman alleges that Gallop fondled her sexually in 1985, when she was 7.
Leslie Anne Parker is seeking $10,000 in damages. The suit was filed Jan. 3 in Dare County Superior Court.
``This old boy has weathered a lot of storms,'' Gallop told the commissioners during their public comment period.
``I'm the oldest of 14 children, and I've weathered a lot of storms. I'll come out on the big end of this, or I'll be in my grave before it's over.''
Parker alleges that as a result of Gallop's actions, she has suffered severe emotional distress. Gallop is Parker's grandmother's uncle.
Attorneys for the woman have requested a jury trial. No court date has been set.
KEYWORDS: SEXUAL ABUSE SEX CRIME LAWSUIT CANDIDATE by CNB