Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong’s public admission that he took performance-enhancing drugs will not change US prosecutors’ decision to spare him of criminal charges, an attorney who oversaw the federal investigation said.

The statement by André Birotte, the US attorney based in Los Angeles, follows Armstrong’s confession in a televised interview last month.

“We made a decision on that case a little over a year ago. Obviously, we’ve been well aware of the statements that have been made by Mr. Armstrong in other media reports. That does not change my view at this time,” Birotte said.

The government will continue to look at the case, Birotte added, but Armstrong’s admission “hasn’t changed our view as I stand here today.”

In February 2012, Birotte said his office had closed its investigation into possible crimes by Armstrong.

Speculation about charges began anew after Armstrong reversed his past doping denials last week. He told Winfrey Oprah he used performance-enhancing drugs in cycling tournaments.

Legal experts still say Armstrong exposed himself to possible charges of perjury or obstruction of justice.

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