Spitzer won't face criminal charges in prostitution scandal
Last Updated: Thursday, November 6, 2008 | 3:55 PM ET
The Associated Press
Eliot Spitzer allegedly met a prostitute in a swanky Washington hotel on the evening before Valentine's Day. (Stephen Chernin/Associated Press) U.S. federal prosecutors say they will not bring criminal charges against former New York governor Eliot Spitzer for his role in a prostitution scandal.
The announcement was made Thursday by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia.
Garcia said that after a thorough investigation, his office found no evidence that Spitzer or his office misused public or campaign funds for prostitution.
Garcia said they have concluded that "the public interest would not be further advanced by filing criminal charges in this matter."
Federal prosecutors typically do not prosecute clients of prostitution rings.
The news removes a huge legal cloud surrounding Spitzer, who was forced from office in March after it was revealed he paid for high-priced call girls.
Spitzer issued a statement in which he expressed relief that he will not face charges
"I appreciate the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation by the U.S. attorney's office, and I acknowledge and accept responsibility for the conduct it disclosed," the statement said.
"I resigned my position as governor because I recognized that conduct was unworthy of an elected official. I once again apologize for my actions."
Political career derailed
Spitzer resigned March 12 after it was disclosed he was referred to in court papers as "Client-9," who met a prostitute in a Washington, D.C., hotel.
Garcia said that Spitzer later revealed to investigators that on multiple occasions he arranged for women to travel between states to engage in prostitution, a federal crime.
The lawyer for Ashley Alexandra Dupre, the former call girl whose tryst with Spitzer sparked the investigation, said, "Ashley is pleased that this matter is behind her."
"She's going to move on with her life," Don D. Buchwald said.
The scandal ruined a promising political career for Spitzer, who won a landslide election in 2006 with a vow to clean up corruption.
He has remained out of the spotlight since his resignation, spending time with his wife and three daughters, while working for his father's real estate business in New York City.
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