Priest With Local Ties Cleared After Church Investigation

(DENVER) -- A priest with ties to Colorado Springs has been cleared of sexual abuse allegations dating back to the 1970s.  On Sunday, the archbishop of Denver issued a statement saying a complete investigation of the claims against Father Mel Thompson found the evidence did not support the allegations. 

There was no police investigation because the statute of limitations has expired. 

Thompson was accused of sexually abusing a boy back in the 1970s.  He has been working as assistant pastor at St. Thomas More Church in Centennial, but had worked at Divine Redeemer Church in Colorado Springs, as well as St Mary's High School in the '70s. 

He was suspended from St. Thomas More when the charges surfaced, but has been reinstated to the priesthood.  He has, however, chosen to retire. 

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