Ore. inquiry into Al Gore sex-assault allegations dropped for lack of evidence

By Carol D. Leonnig and Philip Rucker
Washington Post
Jul. 31, 2010

Law enforcement authorities in Portland, Ore., have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution of former vice president Al Gore after a massage therapist accused him of sexually assaulting her in a 2006 incident.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office reached its decision after reviewing a follow-up Portland police investigation into the woman's allegations. The case was reopened in June, after the massage therapist publicly asserted in a National Enquirer article that Gore tried to force her to have sex with him.

Gore has acknowledged getting a massage from the woman when staying at a Portland hotel but denied that any assault took place. Police had never questioned Gore in an earlier inquiry.

The former vice president "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," said Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider.