Florence church, former worker named in child sex abuse lawsuit

By Josie Howell

47-year-old Kelly Dale Crotts

A Florence church and a former church worker have been named in a child sex abuse civil lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that Cornerstone Church of Christ enabled 47-year-old Kelly Dale Crotts to victimize the children while he worked in various leadership positions at the church.

According to WHNT, Crotts of Florence was previously indicted by a grand jury with three counts of indecent exposure, two counts of child abuse with sexual motivation and two counts of second-degree sex abuse.

The investigation into the case began in May.

Now, a civil lawsuit has been filed with the plaintiffs identified as John Doe I, II and III.

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages.