Mar 21, 2008 1:45 pm US/Pacific
Feds Investigating Spitzer Scandal Rigorously
Possible Corruption Offense A Bigger Deal Than Trysts
By Dave Carlin, CBS 2 HD News
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Were the feds tough on former Gov. Eliot Spitzer?
Justice Department officials admit their methods were more intense than usual, but they say Spitzer left them no choice.
Fade away images of Ashley Dupre and put aside the shocking "wife-by-his-side" confession video and the focus shifts to how the government tracked the trysts of Spitzer – rigorously.
"No one in the history of the world going back to biblical times has ever followed a so-called John. No one has investigated in the way this has been investigated," noted attorney Gerald Shargel said.
New details have emerged in the cat-and-mouse game that began with Spitzer's suspicious banking activity. Feds say he called after a wire transfer, trying to get the name changed. North Fork Bank had to report it in case it involved possible bribes or corruption. The feds went full speed ahead.
CBS 2 HD has learned FBI agents went to the Mayflower Hotel back in January, but Spitzer was a no show. On Feb. 13, it was the same hotel; same sting and the players did show: "Kristen" AKA Dupre and "Client 9," Spitzer.
Some Legal experts worry U.S. Attorneys are engaging in career assassination using public figures as examples.
"It shouldn't be that matters grow worse because you're a celebrity, because you're a governor," Shargel said.
New Yorkers seem to disagree.
"I do think it is appropriate. They are public figures. They are going to be held to a higher standard," said Mike Branch of Manhattan.
Added Sarah Chamlin of Manhattan: "They tracked him and they got him."
The dilemma in the Spitzer case is a public official paying for sex is almost never a priority, but one engaged in corruption is a top concern. Federal investigators knew if the case went away it could be viewed as a cover-up so they went with it until New York had a red-hot scandal and a brand new governor.
As the Spitzer investigation continues, Playgirl magazine wants him to pose in the buff. At the end of an open letter to him on the Magazine's Web site it says, "Seriously, get in touch with us."
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