Departing U.S. Attorney Explains Why Spitzer Wasn't Charged in Hookergate

Michael Garcia, who is leaving the U.S. Attorney's office for private practice, explained why former governor Eliot Spitzer isn't facing federal charges for his involvement with a prostitution ring. In an interview with the NY Times, Garcia "said that although there was evidence that Mr. Spitzer had violated the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines for the purpose of prostitution, there were none of the other factors that traditionally weighed in favor of bringing charges, like the use of juvenile prostitutes, or commercial or other exploitation of them." He added,"I think at the end of the day that decision is the right decision. And it’s justice in that case. And I stand by it.”

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By Jen Chung in News on November 18, 2008 10:55 AM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

"Local John charges"? Where did the exchange of money take place? And where did the 'act' take place? And who is it here that can afford to hire a Supreme Court Justice to beat the rap?

rdsizzle

"there's a reason why the rich don't go to the same jails the poor do."

Rich people go to jail?

Tgirl

gotta use this pic everytime no matter what, it says it all

longacre

I think being forced to resign in disgrace as governor of the most powerful state in the Union is a pretty good punishment.

Toby von Meistersinger

Alternate explanation: There was some quid pro quo resulting in Michael Garcia going into private practice (ka-ching!).

Rob T Firefly

All I know is, I'm happy to see the return of that photo of Cabbage Patch Spitz.

matty

He still should have faced local "john" charges. Just cause he didn't violate a federal crime doesn't mean he didn't violate state ones.

The only reason I say that is because I am sure spitzer would have charged others for the same thing.

Then again, I personally think escort services should be legal and regulated so really what i'm trying to say is...

Well, I dunno.

dhex

alternate explanation: it's good to have been the king.

there's a reason why the rich don't go to the same jails the poor do.

Kojak

In other words: There are bigger fish to fry than a man with a fetish for prostitutes.

Thank you Mr D.A. for not wasting our tax money pursuing this any further.