INDEPENDENCE, Ky. - A local leader of the Ku Klux Klan - and the point man behind the group's court battle to erect a cross on Fountain Square at Christmas - was behind bars Monday, accused of having sex with a 12-year-old girl.
Tony Gamble, 35, of Florence and formerly of Independence was arrested on the job at a car dealership by Cincinnati police Monday afternoon, Independence Sgt. Brian Butler said.
Independence police got the warrant for his arrest late last week, but officers could not find Mr. Gamble throughout the weekend. They asked for Cincinnati's help to find him more quickly.
Mr. Gamble is charged with rape and sodomy for allegedly abusing the girl during about 18 months. The investigation began when the girl, now 13, and her mother reported the alleged incidents to police.
Mr. Gamble describes himself as imperial wizard of the Tristate Knight Riders of the KKK. He says the group is dedicated to the Christian faith and love of the white race.
Last year marked the fifth Christmas for the Klan's cross on the square. Cincinnati City Council tried to prevent the display through a 1993 ordinance that would prohibit symbols that could incite violence. But the courts struck down the ordinance.
If convicted of the charges, Mr. Gamble could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison on both counts, Sgt. Butler said.
Mr. Gamble was being held in the Hamilton County Justice Center after his arrest Monday. He will have to be extradited to Kentucky to face the charges.
