Police Drop Investigation Into Annunciation School Staffer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis Police Department this week decided it will not pursue charges against the Annunciation Catholic School staff member accused of inappropriately touching a student, according to a letter from school officials.

Earlier this week, school officials announced in a letter that a staff member had been placed on administrative following allegations that he or she had inappropriate physical contact with a student.

The school said it learned of the incident on the evening of March 2 and informed authorities the following day.

On Wednesday, school officials sent a letter informing families that police had completed their investigation into the incident and chosen not to press charges.

The school said it has also hired an independent outside investigator to conduct an internal investigation into the allegations. The staff member will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation, the school said.

"Out of justice and respect to those involved in this matter, we again ask that you be patient and respect the investigatory process," the letter reads, in part. "We also ask that everyone respect the sensitive and confidential nature of this situation and the investigatory process. We also respectfully ask that people refrain from engaging in rumors or speculation."

Anyone with information about the allegations or about other incidents is asked to contact Principal Kari Zobel, Rev. William Deziel or business administrator Tom Konz.

Patch reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department multiple times for comment but did not receive a response.