WEST LIBERTY (AP) – A suspended priest who was accused of misconduct with a minor won’t face criminal charges, prosecutors announced.

The Rev. Pete Richardson was barred from public ministry in August after the accusation surfaced.

Prosecutors said there was &#8220no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.”

&#8220I’m very delighted by this news, and I know Father Pete is very happy about it, too,” said Karen Hurley, communications director for Glenmary Home Missioners, with which Richardson is affiliated.

&#8220I consider this very good news.”

Richardson was not available for comment. He remains suspended and is living at Glenmary headquarters in Cincinnati while the Catholic organization completes its own investigation.

Richardson pastored Roman Catholic churches in West Liberty and Owingsville from July 1994 to January 2004 before taking a post in Nashville, Tenn.

In a joint statement, Commonwealth’s Attorney David Flatt, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Edward C. Keeton and Morgan County Attorney Steve O’Connor said the case is now &#8220closed without the necessity of further investigation or action.”

Flatt says the alleged misconduct occurred many years ago, and the statute of limitations has expired. There were no witnesses.

&#8220The only criminal conduct that was even alleged would have been possibly inappropriate touching, and the young man was very unclear as to what exactly did happen. I don’t know why, unless his memory was just not strong on that issue,” Flatt said. &#8220Anytime these allegations are made, it affects a man’s reputation whether they’re true or not.”