Archbishop Will Not Face Charges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — 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 that after a thorough investigation, 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 public photo following a confirmation ceremony in 2009.

Nienstedt stepped down from public ministry while police investigated, but vehemently denied the allegation.

Messages left with the archdiocese were not immediately returned Tuesday.

A prosecutor's memo provides some details on why charges were declined. Among them: there are 11 other people in the photo, and no one reported witnessing any touching.