NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-N.J., will not face charges after a lengthy financial investigation, U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White announced Thursday in Manhattan.
White, a Clinton appointee who is leaving office shortly, revealed the decision in a short statement from her office.
She said she was referring the matter to the Senate Ethics Committee.
Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson, a Bush appointee and the Justice Department's No. 2 official, later said the decision not to seek charges was proper.
"I was advised by U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White and her office of their decision in this matter," Thompson said in a prepared statement. "I am satisfied that after a thorough investigation, Ms. White and her office have appropriately exercised their prosecutorial discretion, in keeping with the department's long-standing guidelines."
A long-time friend and political supporter, David Chang, earlier pleaded guilty to making illegal contributions to Torricelli's 1996 campaign.
Chang told investigators he gave Torricelli gifts and cash in exchange for the senator's intervention in international business deals.
Torricelli's office said it would issue a statement shortly on White's announcement.
