WICHITA, Kansas -- A Wichita priest has been cleared tonight of criminal actions in a sexual abuse case with District Attorney Nola Foulston saying the relationship was consensual.

The district attorney said she held the press conference Friday to clear the record -- that the relationship involved kissing, hugging and hand-holding but no sex and no criminal activity.

Earlier this month, Peggy Warren went public with her allegations that former Wichita priest, Father Nicholas Voelker, sexually assaulted her twice last summer, pursuing her with unwanted sexual advances. On Friday, District Attorney Nola Foulston said he never broke the law.

"This was a consensual, albiet not in their minds a proper relationship. The fact that he was a priest does not enter into the filing," said Foulston.

After Voelker broke off the relationship, Warren wrote him a series of letters that Foulston says confirmed their decision.

"After we thoroughly reviewed those letters, it became abundantly clear that this was not a matter that should be in the criminal justice system," said Foulston.

That’s what the Wichita Diocese has said all along. On Friday, they issued this statement: "The Diocese welcomed a further investigation into this matter and we appreciate the manner in which it was conducted by the district attorney’s office."

But Janet Patterson says Foulston’s decision sends a bad message.

"What is this all about? Are we going to protect other people or does the status of someone give them carte blanche to get away with things?" said Patterson.

Patterson, whose son was abused by a Catholic priest, befriended Warren. She says the letters were from a confused victim. There was never any romantic relationship and she is standing by her friend.

"Peggy has come out and been so tremendously courageous because, like I say, what does she have to gain? Nothing." Said Patterson.

We also spoke with Peggy Warren Friday. She didn’t want to go on camera but said she is disappointed but hopes other victims would contact authorities.

Representatives from the Wichita Diocese also declined offers of an on-camera interview.