Minneapolis police have concluded an investigation of an adult’s inappropriate physical contact with a student at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and have declined to pursue charges, according to a letter school leaders sent to school families March 10.

The school has retained an independent investigator for an internal investigation, they said.

On March 4, school leaders notified school families that a student had made an allegation against an employee March 2, and that school leaders had notified the Minneapolis Police Department and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Office for Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment. Police began an investigation, and the school placed the accused individual on administrative leave. In the March 10 letter, school leaders said the individual’s leave continues during the internal investigation.

“Our first concern continues to be what is best for the safety and well-being of our students,” stated the March 10 letter, signed by Principal Kari Zobel, Pastor Father William Deziel and Business Administrator Tom Konz. “Out of justice and respect to those involved in this matter, we again ask that you be patient and respect the investigatory process. We also ask that everyone respect the sensitive and confidential nature of this situation and the investigatory process. We also respectfully ask that people refrain from engaging in rumors or speculation about what may or may not have occurred.”

They asked that anyone with information about the allegation contact them, and they also asked for prayers. The south Minneapolis school has about 340 students in grades kindergarten to eight.