Frist not charged in scandals

Capitol Hill Blue Reports:

Former Senate Republican leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, is keeping low key about his vindication in two federal probes over the timing of his 2005 sales of all his family's stock in HCA Inc.

When the 19-month-long probes ended with no charges, Frist simply issued a brief written statement to the news media Friday saying he was "pleased" that the findings echoed what "I've said throughout this matter ... (that) I acted properly."

Frist disclosed that he had been notified by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York that they concluded their inquiries and are taking no action. Neither office disputed his report.

The offices apparently were looking into published reports of whether Frist had insider information before directing his qualified blind trust in June 2005 to sell any of his family's remaining shares of stock in HCA, a company founded in the 1960s by his father and brother.