HOUSTON, April 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Addressing the facts regarding his court appearance today, former U.S. Department of Education Undersecretary for Safe & Drug-Free Schools Eric Andell stated, "I have always been keenly aware of the privilege and the responsibility of serving the public. I consider it an honor to have served first as a State District Judge, then Justice on the Appellate Court and later as the U.S. Department of Education's Deputy Undersecretary for Safe & Drug-Free Schools."
"I take full responsibility for the violation of the conflict-of-interest statute, having already reimbursed the Department for the expenses. I regret the trouble this will cause the people I love the most -- my family, friends, colleagues and community."