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LEGAL NEWSLINE

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Spitzer allegedly caught in prostitution ring

Spitzer

NEW YORK -- Eliot Spitzer, who parlayed his aggressive approach to the Attorney General's office into a successful run at Governor in New York, reportedly has been caught on a federal wiretap soliciting a prostitute.

A report in the New York Times says Spitzer has told his aides that he has participated in a prostitution ring, but did not mention resigning from the office during a statement Monday afternoon.

"I have acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family and violates my or any sense of right or wrong," Spitzer said, according to The Associated Press. "I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better.

"I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family."

He didn't say if he would resign as governor, but Spitzer did say he would decide "in short order" on what he would do.

Spitzer is married with three children. He was elected Governor in 2006 after receiving 69 percent of the vote, and Andrew Cuomo took his spot in the Attorney General's office.

Spitzer was commonly seen as an activist attorney general, and was ranked the third-worst state attorney general in recent history by the Competitive Enterprise Institute in a report released last year.

During his time as AG, Spitzer was known for his bid-rigging investigations in companies in the insurance industry. Marsh & McLennan settled the allegations for $850 million, and other companies followed suit.

According to the New York Times, a man named Client 9 in court papers arranged to meet a prostitute from the Emperors Club VIP prostitution ring on Feb. 13. Spitzer was traveling to Washington that day, the report adds.

CNN, citing the Associated Press, said that in court papers Spitzer was identified as a client of the ring, which is being described as upscale and expensive. CNN quoted a price of $3,000 an hour.

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