GARY (IN)
Sun-Sentinel
The Associated Press
Posted March 15 2005, 5:37 PM EST
GARY, Ind. -- Florida authorities have decided not to seek criminal charges against a Roman Catholic priest from the Diocese of Gary accused of molesting a Florida teenager more than a decade ago.
Orlando police Detective Jonathan O'Hern said Monday the allegations against the Rev. Richard Emerson were investigated thoroughly, but that a combination of the time that has passed and the state and federal laws involved blocked the filing of charges.
Emerson's attorney has denied the allegations. The allegations caused Bishop Dale Melczek in December to suspend Emerson, 52, from his position at Notre Dame Church near Michigan City.