No charges in Foley sex e-mail case

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Florida officials declined to file charges against former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., over allegations he sent sexually explicit e-mails to congressional pages.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said in a written statement Friday that the agency did not have the evidence to support charges, in large part because Foley has refused to turn over his government computer files to department investigators.

"FDLE conducted as thorough and comprehensive investigation as possible considering Congress and Mr. Foley denied us access to critical data," FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said. "Should additional information arise which is pertinent to this case, we will ensure it is appropriately investigated."

Foley came under scrutiny over instant messages he sent to a former page in 2003. He resigned in September 2006.

The Palm Beach Post said Florida authorities became involved because the messages were purportedly sent by Foley while he was in Pensacola and may have violated state laws against soliciting minors by computer.