'Serial Hugger' Will Not Face Charges Through Prosecuting Attorney's Office

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said no charges will be filed against the “Serial Hugger.”

Police in several St. Louis area municipalities said a 44-year-old man approached women in stores and claimed to know them “from the old neighborhood.” He gave general descriptions of his home and family and asked for a hug from the victims.

“The cases from Warson Woods, Des Peres and Kirkwood were reviewed by this office and no felony or misdemeanor charges will be filed,” McCulloch said in a statement released to Patch.

“Each of the victims at the time of the offense agreed to give him a hug,” he said. “Essentially, no crime was committed.”

Warson Woods Police reported the hugger kissed one woman on the mouth.

The decision affects only incidents that occurred in St. Louis County.

“Serial hugging” incidents also were reported in St. Charles County and Illinois, including complaints in St. Charles, Wentzville, Fairview Heights and Wood River.

There has been no word from St. Charles County or Illinois prosecutors on whether or not they will proceed with charges.

For more crime information on Kirkwood Patch, see the following articles:

• Sons of Kirkwood Dementia Patient Outraged Over Sexual Misconduct Charge
• CRIME LOG: Underage Party Leads to Arrests in Kirkwood