NEW YORK (CBS) Portland police questioned former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in San Francisco Thursday regarding renewed allegations that he sexually assaulted massage therapist Molly Hagerty in 2006, according to t-v station KATU.
On July 1, Portland police re-opened their investigation into the red-haired masseuse's claims that Gore, who was in Portland as part of a global warming speaking tour, attempted to sexually assault her during a massage at the posh downtown Hotel Lucia on Oct. 24, 2006. Police spokeswoman Mary Wheat refused to disclose the reason behind the case's re-opening after it was previously closed twice because of insufficient evidence.
But the decision prompting investigators to take a further look came the day after Hagerty revealed her identity to the National Enquirer and claimed to possess forensic evidence that could work in her favor, including a half eaten candy bar and a pair of stained pants from the former Vice President that she reportedly held in a safe deposit box.
A statement by Gore spokeswoman Kalee Krieder said that Gore "unequivocally and emphatically" denied the sexual allegations that arose more than three years ago. She also indicated that "further investigation into this matter will only benefit Mr. Gore."
In late 2006, Hagerty's attorney contacted police, but she then refused to answer questions from detectives and asked to halt the investigation. No charges were filed.
A 2007 police report said the accuser refused to cooperate with the investigation or report a crime.
However, in January 2009 Hagerty gave a statement to police saying Gore attempted to have sex with her during an appointment at the swanky hotel, where she said Gore was listed as "Mr. Stone."
According to Hagerty's statement, the 54-year-old woman said she was doing requested abdominal massage on Gore when he began to moan and requested that she go lower.
"I was shocked, and I did not massage beyond what is considered a safe, nonsexual area of the abdomen," she said. "He further insisted and acted angry, becoming verbally sharp and loud."
The Enquirer released stories of two additional therapists who worked at hotels in Los Angeles and Tokyo and have also accused Gore of "unwanted sexual advances," reported
KATU News.
