Al Gore - Gore Cleared Over Sexual Abuse Claims

Former U.S. Vice President AL GORE has been cleared over allegations of sexual abuse stemming from a 2006 incident due to a "lack of credible evidence".

Officers in Portland, Oregon announced in June (10) they were reopening an investigation into claims Gore inappropriately touched masseuse Molly Hagerty during a massage session at a hotel in October 2006.

Hagerty reportedly gave a police statement in 2009, but authorities were said to have dropped the investigation at the time due to "insufficient evidence to support the allegations".

A rep for Gore vehemently denied the claims, insisting a new investigation "will only benefit Mr. Gore".

The politician-turned-environmentalist was quizzed by detectives in San Francisco, California last week (22Jul10) but prosecutors in Portland closed the case on Friday (30Jul10).

A representative for the Multnomah County District Attorney's office stated a "sustainable criminal case does not exist" after investigating Hagerty's claims.

As part of the reopened investigation, detectives interviewed witnesses present at the hotel during the 2006 encounter and put Hagerty through a polygraph test - but she failed the challenge and further forensic testing didn't support her accusations.

Gore's spokeswoman, Kalee Kreider, reveals the 62 year old is "pleased" with the outcome.

Kreider tells People.com, "Mr. Gore unequivocally and emphatically denied this accusation when he first learned of its existence three years ago.

"He respects and appreciates the thorough and professional work of the Portland authorities and is pleased that this matter has now been resolved."