N.Y.'s Spitzer tied to prostitution ring

NEW YORK, March 10 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, accused of being a client in a prostitution ring, apologized publicly for violating his "sense of right and wrong."

In a hastily called news conference, the state's former attorney general apologized to his family and the public. Spitzer was caught on a federal wiretap recording arranging a meeting with a prostitute at a Washington hotel, a person briefed on the federal investigation told The New York Times.

"I acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family and that violates my or any sense of right and wrong," The Democratic governor said during the news conference. Spitzer met with his top aides in his New York apartment prior to the conference.

An affidavit in prostitution ring investigation said a wiretap caught a man identified as "Client 9"on a telephone call confirming plans for a woman to travel from New York to Washington, the Times said. The person briefed on the case identified Spitzer as Client 9 to the Times.

"I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family," said Spitzer, who left the conference without taking questions. "I will report back to you in short order."