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Anderson clerk: Attacks on me are 'political character assassination'

At least five women have accused William T. Jones of inappropriate conduct including improper touching, sexual remarks and bullying.

The Anderson County Circuit Court clerk says he "categorically" denies accusations by women who worked for him that he's touched them inappropriately, sent them sexual messages and abused his authority as their boss.

William T. Jones released an email statement Saturday afternoon to 10News.

"What we are seeing is a premeditated political character assassination, carefully planned out and timed for release just before this election. Those who are behind this are willing to act without concern for the collateral damage done to my family," Jones' statement reads.

The 49-year-old Republican is seeking his second term in office. His opponent is Rex Lynch, the former Anderson County mayor who pleaded guilty in 2011 to sales tax fraud in connection with vehicle sales.

Jones was first elected in 2014.

More: Records: Clerk called himself 'Daddy'

More: Commission condemns clerk's alleged conduct

More: Clerk subject of 2015 complaint

Records obtained by 10News reveal some of the accusations against him. He liked to call himself "Daddy" in the office, sent a vulgar Snapchat message to one employee and inappropriately touched another, the records state.

Because of his leadership, turnover has been rampant in the Clerk's Office, according to the records.

Last week, the Anderson County Commission voted to censure Jones and call for his resignation. They heard a presentation from interim human resources director Kim Whitaker, detailing numerous complaints against Jones.

Kim Whitaker, interim human resources director, presented her findings about William Jones on Tuesday to Anderson County Commission.

The commission considered the resolution against Jones on Tuesday. Jones did not attend the meeting but forwarded a statement in which he said he was securing legal counsel to fight the allegations.

Jones has declined to resign.

He said Saturday in his statement he would fight the lies being asserted about him.

"I trust the people of Anderson County to understand that an election year allegation is not an indication of truth. This is not just about me. It is the good ole boy system sending out a warning that they will not be challenged by any of us," he wrote.

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