Rev. Michael Pfleger had hoped the results of a state investigation would open the door for him to return to service at St. Sabina Church, but the Archdiocese of Chicago said Friday Pfleger must stay away as its own investigation into allegations about continuing sexual abuse.

In January, two brothers accused Pfleger of molesting them as children more than four decades ago.

Following the allegations, Pfleger resigned from his duties at Auburn Gresham Church as an investigation was underway, including investigations by the State Department of Child and Family Services.

On Friday, Pfleger received a letter from DCFS stating that allegations that the caregiver was a risk to children were “unfounded”.

The letter to Pfleger reads:

“After a thorough evaluation, DCFS determined that the report was ‘unfounded’. This means that no credible evidence of child abuse or neglect was found during this investigation and that your name is not listed as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect on the state central registry. This does not necessarily mean that no incident has occurred. An incident may have occurred, but the evidence has not risen to the level required to indicate abuse or neglect as required by state law and DCFS administrative regulations. “

The archdiocese said in a statement released on Friday that the DCFS was not investigating the brothers’ allegations.

“It is important to note that the unsubstantiated finding does not reflect an investigation by DCFS of two adult brothers’ recent allegations against Father Pfleger and should therefore not be taken as a judgment of his guilt or innocence in these matters.”

“The agency investigated the risk, not the allegations of abuse, which occurred more than four decades ago.”

“The Archdiocese’s Independent Review Board will investigate the allegations and share its findings in due course. Father Pfleger will stay away from the congregation until this process is complete. “

Caregiver was not available for comment on Friday, but his attorney Mike Monico said the results show that DCFS does not believe Caregiver is a danger to children and is allowed to return to his church.

DCFS spokesman Bill McCaffrey, citing state law, was unable to disclose details of the investigation or whether it was the search and questioning of people who were nearby at the time of the alleged abuse.

“The law does not allow DCFS to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect by an adult victim,” he said. “DCFS can only determine whether there is a current child victim.”

More than 100 nurse supporters gathered in front of the archdiocese headquarters on Wednesday to demand his speedy return to St. Sabina.

In two social media posts on the same day, Pfleger said he was innocent and called the allegations “false”.

“When this is over I hope I have a lot more to say soon,” wrote Pfleger. In another post he thanked several organizations and people who spoke out on behalf of the long-time priest of St. Sabina. “… I pray that [Chicago] The Archdiocese will allow me to return to the Ministry quickly. “

Nurse’s lawyers said the allegations were lies and the prosecutors made them hoping for a payday.

Read the DCFS letter (pdf)