Strauss-Kahn sexual assault charges dropped

NEW YORK // A New York judge Tuesday dropped all sex crime charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, but his ruling will not take effect immediately.

"I see no basis to deny," Judge Michael Obus said.

The decision in New York state court brought the curtain down on a three-month saga that destroyed the career one of the world's most powerful men and caused an international uproar.

Obus also issued a ruling denying a request by lawyers for the maid accusing Strauss-Kahn to have the investigation transferred to a special prosecutor.

The dismissal of all charges against Strauss-Kahn will only take effect once the appeal of the special prosecutor decision has been dealt with, Obus said.