BOSTON -- The general manager of the Cartoon Network resigned Friday following a marketing stunt in Boston that sent state bomb squads into emergency mode.

Jim Samples said in a statement that he deeply regretted the negative publicity and expense caused as a result of the campaign.

"As general manager of Cartoon Network, I feel compelled to step down, effective immediately, in recognition of the gravity of the situation that occurred under my watch," Samples said in a statement.

Samples, who has been with the company for 13 years, said that he hopes the decision to step down helps the company "get back to our mission of delivering unrivaled original animated entertainment for consumers of all ages."

The stunt on Jan. 31 caused traffic to come to a standstill after lighted devices promoting a cartoon show were found in nearly 40 locations in Boston and other surrounding communities. Police and bomb crews were called in to investigate and remove the devices. Two local men, Peter Berdovsky, 27, and Sean Stevens, 28, were paid to promote a show that airs on Turner's Cartoon Network. Both pleaded not guilty to placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct.

Earlier this week, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced that the state reached a settlement with Turner Broadcasting System and Interference Inc. in connection with the stunt.

Coakley said the company had agreed to pay $2 million to the communities that were affected, with $1 million used to reimburse the agencies and $1 million to be used to fund homeland security and other programs.

Turner Broadcasting and Interference, Inc., reiterated an apology for the stunt when the settlement was released.

"We are reviewing our policies concerning local marketing efforts and strategies to ensure that they are not disruptive or perceived as threatening, and are committed to making any necessary changes to our internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future," the companies said.

Previous Stories:

Feb. 8: Report: Terror Scare Delayed Ambulance Response

Feb. 5: Defendant Videotaped Police During Stunt

Feb. 4: Attorney General Announces Marketing Stunt Settlement

Feb. 2: State Expects Settlement In Marketing Ploy

Feb. 2: Broadcasting Co. Apologizes For Ad Stunt

Feb. 1: Bloggers Pick Up Early On Publicity Stunt

Feb. 1: City Won't Accept Network Apology After Scare

Feb. 1: eBay Sellers Capitalize On Boston Scare

Feb. 1: Officials Outraged Over Publicity Ploy

Jan. 31: 2 Men Arrested In Marketing Stunt

Jan. 31: Lawyer: Hoax Scheme A 'Misunderstanding'

Jan. 31: TV Network Takes Responsibility For 'Hoax Devices'

Jan. 31: 'Suspicious' Package Destroyed