New York: Despite stepping down as New York governor over a sex scandal, Eliot Spitzer could still face charges relating to prostitution and suspicious bank transfers.

Spitzer, who dramatically announced his exit from public life Wednesday after reports emerged of his links to a high-end call girl ring, is alleged to have broken federal financial statutes in an effort to cover his tracks.

The US media has been full of speculation over whether the outgoing governor -- he formally steps down on Monday, who as attorney general was known for his pugnacious style in tackling crime, could find himself on the receiving end of the New York attorney's office.

According to Brad Simon, a former federal prosecutor and defence lawyer, Spitzer would likely end up being charged, even if his lawyers attempt to argue that he has already forfeited his career and lost his public standing.

"The fact that it s not just prostitution but that there are also financial violations makes it likely, in my opinion, that they will initiate some kind of prosecution," Simon told AFP, adding that even jail time was possible.

"These offenses carry prison terms. Whether or not he would end up going, that s a long way away," he said.

Prosecutors on Wednesday made a point of denying reports they had reached a deal with Spitzer under which he would quit in return for escaping prosecution.

"The fact that he s a soon-to-be former governor and was the New York state attorney general, the top law enforcement officer in the state, means he clearly knew what he was doing," said Simon.

The situation, he said, puts prosecutors in a difficult position.

Source : PTI