Prosecutors Decline to Charge Minnesota Archbishop

WJON
March 11, 2014

http://wjon.com/prosecutors-decline-to-charge-minnesota-archbishop/


Authorities say Archbishop John Nienstedt will not face criminal charges in an incident in which he was accused of inappropriately touching a boy during a public photo shoot.

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office says Tuesday there is insufficient evidence to prosecute Nienstedt.

Nienstedt announced Dec. 17 that he had been accused of touching a boy on the buttocks during a photo following a confirmation ceremony in 2009. He denied the allegation, but stepped down from public ministry while police investigated.

In a statement Tuesday, Nienstedt thanked authorities and said he will now return to public ministry. He says he continues to pray for those harmed by clergy sexual abuse.

A prosecutor’s memo provides details on why charges were declined. Among them, no one else present had witnessed any touching.