WASHINGTON (AP) -- Each day at his federal corruption trial, former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy opened a Bible he kept shielded from jurors and turned to a favorite verse.
"Whom shall I fear?" asks the 27th Psalm.Upon his acquittal Wednesday on 30 corruption-related charges brought by independent counsel Donald Smaltz, Espy defiantly declared his answer. "Certainly, not Donald Smaltz," he said on the federal courthouse steps.
Espy was forced to resign in 1994 after being accused of accepting illegal gifts on the job and trying to cover it up. He maintained his innocence throughout, arguing he was the target of an overzealous prosecutor. Smaltz spent four years and $17 million on his investigation.
"I stood before the jury several months ago and said that I was not guilty," Espy said. "I don't believe I've lost my good name because I never believed that I was guilty of anything."
Interviewed Thursday on NBC's "Today," Espy said: "I've admitted some lapses in judgment. I've admitted some appearance problems. There are a number of things if I could do it all over again that I would not do."
Another major regret: As a House member, he had voted to reauthorize the law creating the independent counsel. "I wish I could take it back," Espy said.
After fighting federal corruption charges for four years and facing the possibility of at least three years in prison, Espy declared himself a "much stronger person," physically and mentally. Although he now practices law in Mississippi, he was uncertain about his future plans.
However, he recalled for reporters during a news conference a conversation he had with President Clinton in the Oval Office just before he left his post.
"He made a promise to me," Espy said. "I will not reveal what he said -- that was man to man, person to person -- and I'm hopeful that he will keep that promise."
In a statement, Clinton said he was pleased with the verdict and praised Espy for serving the country with distinction.
"After what have been challenging times for Mr. Espy, both personally and professionally, I am heartened that he has, as he said, emerged from this ordeal stronger," Clinton said. "I hope that as he moves forward he will continue his notable record of service to the country."