DENVER -- The University of Colorado Law Enforcement Task Force, headed by Attorney General Ken Salazar, has decided against filing criminal charges in nine separate investigations into sexual assaults at the University of Colorado.

Video

CU Reacts To Salazar Decision

A statement, issued by Attorney General Ken Salazar Tuesday morning said in part:

After thorough review and further investigation, the unanimous decision of the Law Enforcement Task Force is to not file criminal charges on these cases at this time based upon evidentiary considerations and/or the expressed wishes of some victims not to be subjected to the criminal justice process. The nine cases fall within the special prosecutor’s appointment authority. As with many criminal investigations, these matters will remain open in the event that the nature of evidence of the sexual assault allegation changes in the future.

Although not filing charges in the nine cases, Salazar said the task force will continue its investigation concerning other potential criminal matters involving the University of Colorado football team and its recruiting program.

The task force was set up by Salazar in February at the request of Gov. Bill Owens. It is comprised of 7 law enforcement agencies and four local district attorneys.

The university and a Board of Regents panel are also investigating allegations that sex and alcohol were used to entice recruits to the Boulder campus. At least eight women had accused football players or recruits of rape since 1997, though no criminal charges were filed.

Three of the women have sued the school in federal court, saying its failure to rein in the athletes contributed to their rapes in 2001. They are seeking unspecified damages and sweeping changes at the school.

There was no immediate explanation for the ninth case referred to by Salazar.

CU Commission Meets

The commission investigating the recruiting scandal will meet in executive session Tuesday to discuss its final report.

President Betsy Hoffman said people on both sides are weighing in on the issue. She said those at either extreme will likely be disappointed.

The independent panel will vote on the final draft Wednesday afternoon.