NASHVILLE (AP) — Prosecutors ended their investigation into the Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk's office after the clerk resigned Friday.

District Attorney General Torry Johnson sent a news release less than an hour after Criminal Court Clerk David Torrence's resignation became effective at 11 a.m. Friday, announcing the investigation had concluded.

It was begun after WSMV-TV documented Torrence's frequent absences from his office in the courts building.

"Davidson County taxpayers were understandably upset by these stories about Mr. Torrence's work schedule," Johnson said, "and our investigation took an even more in-depth look at his habits. There is simply no excuse for missing so many days of work or consistently leaving early. The voters elected him to be a full-time clerk."

Johnson's staffers pulled key card records that revealed Torrence worked on five consecutive days only once between January 2009 and April 2011. During that time, records indicate Torrence worked an average of 19 hours per week.

After the TV station reported on Torrence's work habits, the Metro Nashville Council passed a resolution calling on him to resign.

Johnson's statement on Friday also noted that the Davidson County Criminal Court Judges named Deputy Clerk Tommy Bradley as interim clerk until the Metro Council appoints a replacement for Torrence.

The prosecutor said he sent Torrence a letter summarizing his findings and telling him the excessive absences would justify removing him from office.

Torrence has consistently declined requests for comment since announcing his resignation.