Portland police admit goof up in Al Gore sex case

WASHINGTON - Portland police have admitted that they did not follow standard operating procedures during an earlier enquiry in the Al Gore alleged sexual assault case.

The police re-opened the case against the former Vice President after his accuser, Molly Hagerty, came forward publicly.

Investigators typically interview potential corroborating witnesses and anyone accused, law enforcement officers say, and also consult with prosecutors.

But in this case, they dropped the case citing lack of evidence, without seeking Gore’s account or consulting with the county district attorney’s office before closing the case, reports The Washington Post.

“In reviewing this case, we have determined there were procedural issues with the 2009 investigation that merit reopening the case. There should have been command-level review at the time on the specifics of this case and decisions on whether the investigation should go forward,” Police Chief Michael Reese said.

Bureau investigators contacted attorneys for Gore, 62, as part of the renewed investigation.

“I can confirm that the Portland bureau has reached out to us, and we welcome it,” said Kalee Kreider, a spokeswoman for Gore. (ANI)