Broker fraud case is thrown out

Mr Sihpol has agreed to a ban

The criminal case against a former Bank of America broker accused of helping a hedge fund trade illegally was completely dismissed on Wednesday.

Theodore Sihpol had faced a remaining four fraud charges after a jury had acquitted him of 29 counts in June.

Earlier on Wednesday, the 38-year-old agreed to a $200,000 fine and five-year ban from US market watchdog, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

This was connected to the same matter, but Mr Sihpol did not admit any guilt.

He still faces potential civil lawsuits, but the final conclusion of the criminal case was expected.

"I feel great, I feel great," said Mr Sihpol, after the announcement that criminal proceedings had been dropped.