A South Salt Lake prosecutor has concluded criminal charges are unwarranted in the June 12 City Hall skirmish between the Salt Lake City mayor and the Wasatch Property Management CEO.

"Even Mayor Anderson's description of the event does not suggest that there was any use of force or violence, nor were any threats made to commit a violent injury upon him," Janice Frost, South Salt Lake's deputy city attorney, wrote in a letter to Salt Lake City chief prosecutor Sim Gill.

Frost, who reviewed the case to avoid a conflict of interest because the tussle happened in Salt Lake City Hall, made the decision after screening the security video, interviewing witnesses and reading the police report.

She wrote it is clear Hansen waited for the mayor to exit a meeting to confront him - and "invaded Mr. Anderson's personal space" - but said "grabbing" does not fit the definitions of assault or battery.

By declining to file charges, Frost confirmed that the case is closed.

Anderson, who is in Pittsburgh to receive an environmental award, said Wednesday he is "not necessarily surprised." But he nevertheless took issue with the conclusion.

"Anybody who grabs another person or butts them with their belly or chest is engaging in unlawful force," Anderson said. "If I saw that happen with any staff member or a custodian or a constituent, I would ask that it be screened for prosecution."

Even so, the mayor said he will not pursue anything further in the fracas with Hansen.

"Dell Loy has probably learned his lesson."

Hansen, in a statement released by his spokesman, said, "I appreciate that the investigation was conducted objectively and professionally. I was absolutely confident a fair outcome would be reached, and we are moving forward on our important development work in Salt Lake City."

The incident was sparked after Anderson asked the city's Redevelopment Agency earlier this month to reconsider lending Hansen an additional $1 million for a planned high-rise at 222 S. Main.

After a testy exchange during the RDA meeting, Hansen rushed Anderson in the hallway, where he accused the mayor of not having the "guts" to meet with him.

Hansen bumped and later grabbed the mayor, who responded, "Don't touch me. I'll kick your ass."

Frost, the deputy city attorney, said Hansen did not attempt to make further contact nor make any threats.

She also noted that while witnesses agree there was name-calling and a loud disagreement, "the other individuals in the hall denied seeing any touching."

Frost did consider the possibility of a disturbing-the-peace charge, but determined there was not enough evidence.

A security camera captured the incident but recorded no sound. Outside the camera's reach, reporters observed Anderson and Hansen arguing in front of an elevator, where they later were separated.

djensen@sltrib.com

Mayors back Rocky

The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed five resolutions this week sponsored by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. The measures, approved by more than 220 mayors include immigration reform, studying the danger of bottled water, tackling substance abuse, pushing for renewable energy and stopping the genocide in Darfur.

In a news release from his office, Anderson said he is grateful for the support. "Federal action on these resolutions will benefit Salt Lake City and our entire nation by helping to achieve a more just, peaceful and sustainable world."