SPITZER OFF THE HOOK

7 November 2008

But a wrecked career was a high price to pay

 

Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, once the scourge of the illegal gambling industry in New York State when he was Attorney General, will not be prosecuted for indiscretions involving prostitution that were discovered earlier this year. Federal prosecutors investigating the affair, which cost Spitzer his governorship, have confirmed that no further action against him is contemplated.

Eight months after the scandal, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said in a statement: "Eliot Spitzer has acknowledged to this office that he was a client of, and made payments to, the Emperors Club V.I.P. Our investigation has shown that on multiple occasions, Mr. Spitzer arranged for women to travel from one state to another state to engage in prostitution. After a thorough investigation, this Office has uncovered no evidence of misuse of public or campaign funds. In addition, we have determined that there is insufficient evidence to bring charges against Mr. Spitzer for any offense relating to the withdrawal of funds for, and his payments to, the Emperors Club V.I.P.

"In light of the policy of the Department of Justice with respect to prostitution offenses and the longstanding practice of this office, as well as Mr. Spitzer's acceptance of responsibility for his conduct, we have concluded that the public interest would not be further advanced by filing criminal charges in this matter."

Thw Wall Street Journal quoted Spitzer as saying: "I understand the office of the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York has decided that it will not bring criminal charges against me. 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.

"I resigned my position as governor because I recognized that conduct was unworthy of an elected official. I once again apologize for my actions, and for the pain and disappointment those actions caused my family and the many people who supported me during my career in public life."

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa