In this May 19, 2011 file photo, former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn listens to proceedings in his case in New York state Supreme Court. French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde is expected to be chosen as early as Tuesday, June 28, 2011, to be the new leader of the International Monetary Fund. She would replace Strauss-Kahn, who resigned last month after being charged with sexually assaulting a New York City hotel housekeeper. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, Pool, File)

NEW YORK - A judge has agreed to free former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn without bail or home confinement in the sexual assault case against him.

The move Friday comes after prosecutors said an extensive background investigation of the accuser caused them to reassess the case.

The agreement OK'd by State Supreme Court Justice Michael Obus in Manhattan does not give Strauss-Kahn his passport back, meaning he can't head to France anytime soon. The criminal case against him stands.

Strauss-Kahn was held without bail for nearly a week after his May arrest. He has since posted a total of $6 million in cash bail and bond and has been confined to a Manhattan town house.

He denies allegations of trying to rape a hotel housekeeper. He left the courtroom smiling, holding hands with his wife.