Onondaga County, New York, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said Wednesday that he cannot pursue molestation charges against former Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine.
While he believes the two men accusing Fine of sexual abuse are credible, Fitzpatrick says he is unable to prosecute the alleged sex crimes because the statute of limitations has lapsed.
A federal investigation into Fine continues, Fitzpatrick said.
Syracuse University fired Fine more than a week ago after three people came forward accusing him of child molestation. Federal authorities have searched Fine's home, his office on campus and three safe deposit boxes.
On Monday, a Federal Magistrate released search warrants showing what those agents looked for, which includes pornography and any other items that could be used to "groom young males" for sex.
At Fine's home, officers took three large filing cabinets as evidence. Court documents show that evidence includes a number of CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, photos, computers, cameras and cell phones. Similar items were taken from his office at the Carmelo Anthony Basketball Center on campus.
Fine has denied the molestation allegations.
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