WASHINGTON (CBS) - There is a new development in the case of Paula Broadwell, General David Petraeus' biographer. Their affair led to his resignation as CIA director. Officials say Broadwell will not face criminal charges of stalking a romantic rival online. But she may not be completely off the hook.
It's been more than a month since Paula Broadwell was outed as David Petraeus' mistress. Now, they Justice Department is dropping its investigation into the emails that first exposed the scandal.
Officials notified Broadwell's attorneys in a letter saying, "No federal charges will be brought...relating to alleged acts of cyber-stalking."
It all started last summer when Jill Kelley, a close friend of the former CIA director, told the FBI she'd received anonymous emails warning her to "back off" and "stay away from my guy."
Authorities eventually traced those messages back to Broadwell, a married mother of two who had spend countless hours with Petreaus as his biographer. She says, "I'm not in love with David Petraeus, but I think he does present a terrific role model for young people, for executives, for men and women. No matter what, there's a great role model there."
Petraeus came clean about the affair with his sudden resignation. Tuesday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was asked whether that was the right thing to do. He says, "You've got to be kidding me. Well, in this town, with that kind of email, do you think he could have survived as director of the CIA? I don't think so."
The CIA is now investigating Petraeus' conduct. Broadwell is said to be pleased the justice department has dropped its probe but could still face charges for mishandling classified information.