Wyoming Prosecutors Not Pursuing Retired-Bishop Abuse Case

Wyoming Prosecutors Not Pursuing Retired-Bishop Abuse Case

SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images. Former Bishop of Cheyenne Joseph A. Hart reads a news story about the sexual abuse scandal within the church at a session of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Prosecutors in Wyoming have again decided not to pursue sexual abuse charges against a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of abusing boys over decades.

Natrona County assistant district attorney Michael Schafer says prosecutors felt they couldn’t successfully prosecute Bishop Joseph Hart after reviewing a police investigation.

Hart was among the highest-ranking church officials facing prosecution and other sanctions for alleged sex abuse.

The announcement ends a two-year criminal investigation into Hart in Wyoming.

Prosecutors had previously told an alleged victim Hart wouldn’t be prosecuted but reconsidered after meeting with police.

Hart's attorney says Hart is “gratified” by the latest decision.

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Filed Under: abuse, Bishop, Catholic Church, Joseph Hart, Prosecutors

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