WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice

Department said on Thursday that the Bank of America Securities

resolved a criminal investigation involving alleged

market manipulation schemes by former employees.

"As part of the resolution, the Justice Department has

declined to prosecute BoAS, and BoAS will disgorge approximately

$1.96 million and contribute approximately $3.6 million to a

victim compensation fund it will establish and administer," the

department said.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; editing by Costas Pitas)