"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," Frost wrote.

She also looked into whether there was cause for charges against Anderson and found that "there is no evidence that the mayor assaulted Mr. Hansen. He did state that he would kick Mr. Hansen's 'ass,' but this was a result of his being touched by Mr. Hansen."

Frost was asked to screen the case because of potential conflicts of interest if Gill's office were to conduct the investigation. In addition to Gill's working relationship with Anderson, he also ran unsuccessfully against Lohra Miller in 2006 for the county district attorney's job, and Hansen was a major financial supporter of Miller's.

Gill said he believes Frost conducted the probe fairly.

"My job was to make sure that the case was put together and reviewed in an objective manner," Gill said.

Frost's decision was based on an investigation carried out by Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson, who spoke with a number of eyewitnesses, including a Deseret Morning News reporter and members of Anderson's and Hansen's staffs. He also reviewed security-camera video footage released by the city.

He said he agreed with Frost's decision not to file charges.

"It was wrong and inappropriate," Hutson said of Hansen's actions. "I don't think any of us would condone any of the behavior." However, he added, it didn't "rise to the level of criminal."

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com