BOSTON—Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley said Wednesday he has no plans to bring criminal charges against Jay Garrity, a former top aide to Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney who was accused last year of impersonating a police officer during a rambling telephone call.
"An extensive review of phone records, financial transactions and other documents has provided no evidence that Mr. Garrity placed that call," said a statement issued by Conley spokesman Jake Wark. "In fact, evidence points away from him."
Wark said the investigation remains open, "as would any investigation into a criminal defense."
In a statement, Garrity said, "I am grateful to have the last sensational allegation against me proven wrong, and to have my reputation restored. I appreciate the support of friends and political adversaries alike who know my good character. I have always worked with honor and integrity and it was never my intention to be disrespectful to anyone."
Garrity served for years as Romney's top personal aide, handling his travel logistics, organizing his events and keeping reporters at a distance from the former Massachusetts governor.
He was thrust into the public spotlight several times last year, first when a
The Boston Globe also reported that Garrity was being investigated for impersonating a State Police trooper after a Wilmington plumbing company received a lengthy voicemail message from a "Trooper Garrity" complaining about erratic driving by the driver of a company van.
Conley investigated that charge because the call allegedly was placed from Boston.
In addition, the Boston Herald reported that while working in the Statehouse, Garrity used fake badges so he and members of Romney's advance staff could gain access to closed areas and, in one instance, avoid paying a highway toll.
That report last July prompted Garrity to resign "so that the media attention on me will not become a distraction to the campaign's efforts."
In October, New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte announced she had closed an investigation into whether Garrity had illegally run a license check on the New York Times reporter. Ayotte said her office found no evidence that anyone, during the time in question, had requested registration records for the reporter's car.
The Conley investigation resolved the remaining legal issue.
"He has no plans to take legal action," said Garrity spokeswoman Nancy Sterling.
