Ivins' lawyer says client was innocent

WASHINGTON (CNN) - The lawyer for former government anthrax researcher Bruce Ivins said Friday his client was innocent of the 2001 anthrax deaths, and said he is disappointed that he "will not have the opportunity to defend his good name."

Officials said Ivins committed suicide Tuesday after learning that charges were going to be filed against him in the case.

In a written statement, attorney Paul Kemp said his firm had represented Ivins for more than a year, and that Ivins had "fully cooperated" with investigators for six years. "He was a world-renowned and highly decorated scientist who served his country for over 33 years with the Department of the Army," the attorney said.