President

Updated August 28, 2009

Prosecutor: Richardson to be Cleared but Not Exonerated

AP

U.S. Attorney Greg Fouratt made the comments in a letter sent to defense lawyers, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press.

New Mexico's top federal prosecutor confirms that no charges will be brought against Gov. Bill Richardson and his former top aides after a probe of an alleged pay-to-play scheme. But the U.S. attorney says that doesn't exonerate the conduct of people involved.

U.S. Attorney Greg Fouratt made the comments in a letter sent to defense lawyers, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Fouratt said a federal investigation "revealed pressure from the governor's office resulted in the corruption of the procurement process" in awarding state bond deal work to a Richardson political contributor.

Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos issued a statement Friday saying Fouratt's letter was "nothing more than sour grapes."

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