PORTLAND (BNO NEWS) -- Portland Police on Wednesday decided to re-open the case regarding sex abuse allegations against former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

The woman who accused Gore of unwanted sexual contact made the claims in late 2006 and relayed them through her attorney. Follow-up interviews and investigations were conducted over the next several years, but charges were never filed and the case was never announced to the public.

On Wednesday, that changed. "The Portland Police Bureau has made the decision to re-open the case regarding the allegations brought forward against Mr. Al Gore," a news release said. "Consistent with our policy regarding open investigations, the Police Bureau will not be commenting on any additional specifics regarding this case at this time."

The National Enquirer, which first broke the story, reported that the woman is a 54-year-old masseuse.

A spokeswoman for Al Gore denied the allegations, saying further investigation will only benefit the former vice president. "The Gores cannot comment on every defamatory, misleading, and inaccurate story generated by tabloids," said Kalee Kreider, a Gore family spokeswoman. "Mr. Gore unequivocally and emphatically denied this accusation when he first learned of its existence three years ago. He stands by that denial."

Gore and his wife announced earlier this month that they were separating. The couple said they would be seeking an amicable divorce after forty years of marriage.

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