Gore cleared of allegations

PORTLAND, Oregon – The case of the Nobel Peace Prize winner and the massage therapist has been closed.Former vice-president Al Gore was cleared Friday of allegations he groped and assaulted a masseuse in a luxury Portland hotel room in 2006.A story in a tabloid newspaper led to a month-long investigation that found no basis for prosecution on claims by Molly Hagerty, who had waited more than two years before giving detectives a statement they initially concluded “did not merit further inquiry”.Gore aides welcomed the news.“Mr Gore unequivocally and emphatically denied this accusation when he first learned of its existence three years ago,” spokeswoman Kalee Kreider said in a statement. “He respects and appreciates the thorough and professional work of the Portland authorities and is pleased that this matter has now been resolved.” (AP)