Prostitution ring ties; N.Y.governor Spitzer apologizes

N.Y. governor Spitzer apologizes after reports of ties to prostitution ring

Last Updated: Monday, March 10, 2008 | 3:51 PM ET

CBC News

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer apologized on Monday for violating the trust of his family and the public, responding to reports that he allegedly had links to a high-priced prostitution ring.

The New York Times first reported the story on Monday afternoon, citing one of Spitzer’s officials.

Eliot Spitzer, shown at a memorial service for fallen firefighters in Albany, N.Y., last October, began his first term as New York’s governor in January 2007. He’s now at the centre of a controversy after an article quoted one of his officials as saying he had been involved in a prostitution ring.
(Mike Groll/Associated Press)

Spitzer did not specifically address news of the prostitution ring and his involvement, speaking only briefly before leaving a press conference in New York City.

“I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family. I have acted in a way that violates my or any sense of wrong,” he said, with his wife at his side.

“I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better,” said Spitzer.

“I disappointed and failed to live up to the standard that I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.”

Charges filed against 4 people: Times

The Times reported that federal prosecutors in Manhattan filed conspiracy charges last week against four people, accusing them of running a prostitution ring that had wealthy clients in Europe and the U.S.

Officials with Spitzer’s administration did not confirm to the newspaper whether the 48-year-old governor was connected to the case reported in the Times.

Spitzer began his first term as governor on Jan. 1, 2007. During his election campaign, he vowed to clean up corruption in Albany.

Before that, he served for eight years as attorney general of New York. He became a national figure for his involvement in landmark cases seeking to protect investors, consumers and low-income workers, according to his election website.

In his role as attorney general, he also prosecuted at least two prostitution rings, according to the Times.

He was best known for his investigations into Wall Street crimes, such as bid rigging and other fraudulent practices, Spitzer’s website says.

~ by mediashark on March 10, 2008.