Sharpton tax fraud probe to be dropped

NEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- U.S. prosecutors are ending their criminal investigation of the Rev. Al Sharpton and his National Action Network organization, law enforcement sources said.

Sharpton has agreed to pay millions in back taxes but won't face indictment or charges based on fiscal irregularities at his New York non-profit group or allegations that the 53-year-old civil rights leader extorted contributions from corporations in exchange for not protesting against them, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.

"The U.S. attorney's office, after doing an investigation, came to the conclusion that this was most appropriate for a civil resolution," said Sharpton attorney Zachary Carter. Sharpton reportedly owes $2 million to $9 million to the Internal Revenue Service.

There was no official comment from prosecutors.