The Justice Department offered $5.82 million settlement to the former number one suspect in the 2001 anthrax case that killed 5 people and sickened 17 more.

The former suspect in the 2001 anthrax mailing case agreed to a $5.82 million settlement in exchange for dropping a lawsuit in which he claimed the Justice Department and the FBI not only invaded his privacy, but also ruined his career.

Dr. Steven J. Hatfill, 54, a former army scientist, was called a “person of interest” in the antharx case by then-attorney general John Ashcroft. He was submitted to 24-hour surveillance and was considered to be the main suspect in the 2001 bioterrorism attack.

Hatfill said the investigation and labeling him as “person of interest” in the case ruined his reputation. He lost his job, and was in the attention of the media, his home was searched and his conversations were tapped.

Later on, he decided to sue the Justice Department, the FBI and John Ashcroft for violating his constitutional rights and making it hard for him to make a living.

Five people were killed and 17 got sick after being exposed to anthrax in the mailing attacks. Hatfill, although main suspect, was never arrested or charged, and he probably never will, now that a settlement has been reached.

The Justice Department said in a statement that the case will remain among its highest priorities and that they do not admit to violating the Privacy Act, despite of reaching a settlement with Hatfill.

The settlement grants Hatfill $2.8 million in immediate payment, and an $150,000 annuity as of 2009 for the next 20 years.

Earlier this year, a District Court Judge said during a hearing that the is no evidence that would point to Hatfill's guilt. According to a statement released by Hatfill's lawyer, the scientists is now forced to continue his scientific work independently, due to a media circus that was created at the time of the case.