No charges for former NY governor

Mr Spitzer made his name by prosecuting organised crime

Former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer will not face criminal charges over his role in a prostitution scandal, federal prosecutors say.

US Attorney Michael Garcia said investigators found no evidence that Mr Spitzer or his office had misused public or campaign funds.

Mr Spitzer was forced from office in March after it was revealed that he had paid high-priced call girls.

Mr Spitzer admitted his involvement in the scandal.

"I appreciate the impartiality and thoroughness of the investigation... and I acknowledge and accept responsibility for the conduct it disclosed," Mr Spitzer said on Thursday.

"I resigned my position as Governor because I recognised that my conduct was unworthy of an elected official. I once again apologise for my actions," Mr Spitzer added.

Investigation

The governor reportedly came to the attention of prosecutors because he was moving money from a bank account in a suspicious manner.

That led investigators to a prostitution agency, and to the revelation that Mr Spitzer was one of its clients.

New York's tabloids reported that the governor had spent some $80,000 (£39,500) on prostitutes with the agency during an 18-month period.

I resigned my position as Governor because I recognised that my conduct was unworthy of an elected official. I once again apologise for my actions Eliot Spitzer, former NY Governor

Spitzer made his name as an investigator of organised crime, financial crime and prostitution, and his fall from political grace has been seen as one of the biggest New York has known.

Eliot Spitzer resigned in high drama, with his wife by his side, who stayed by his side despite everything.

Mr Garcia said Mr Spitzer later revealed to prosecutors that on multiple occasions he had arranged for women to travel from one state to another state to engage in prostitution.

However federal prosecutors typically do not prosecute clients of prostitution rings, correspondents say.

Recently four people pleaded guilty to running the prostitution operation at the heart of the scandal.