Lawyer says top aide cleared in plot against Bruno

ALBANY - The top aide that former Gov. Eliot Spitzer blamed and disciplined for a plot to smear Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno won't face criminal charges in the scandal, according to the ex-aide's attorney.

The former aide, Darren Dopp, was Spitzer's communications director in the governor's office and for two terms in the attorney general's office. Dopp has said he was following orders and the law when he compiled and disclosed to a reporter state police travel records concerning Bruno when he used state aircraft on days he attended Republican fundraisers.

“The district attorney and I met today in person,” said Dopp's attorney, Michael Koenig of Albany, on Monday. “He advised me that all matters between his office and my client are now concluded.”