BERLIN — Citing a lack of evidence, prosecutors have dropped an investigation of sexual abuse allegations against a German bishop who recently resigned.

Bishop Walter Mixa's Augsburg diocese said last week it had referred the allegations to prosecutors but gave no details.

Ingolstadt prosecutor Helmut Walter said today a preliminary investigation has been closed because "a crime could not be established." Mixa's lawyer had rejected the accusations.

Mixa offered his resignation last month following separate allegations of physical abuse of children and financial misconduct. Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation last weekend.

Mixa initially denied ever using violence against youngsters but later said he might have slapped children.