Paterson aide at center of scandal fired

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — An aide to New York Gov. David Paterson who was accused of domestic violence, an incident that embroiled Paterson in scandal, has been terminated.

State Comptroller’s Office records show that David Johnson has been off the state payroll since Nov. 19. He had been on unpaid leave since Feb. 25.

Johnson has pleaded not guilty to assault, menacing, harassment and criminal mischief in the Halloween 2009 incident.

The case led to claims of evidence-tampering at the top levels of the governor’s office. None was proven.

Paterson ended his campaign for a full term amid the scandal, saying he couldn’t clear his name and run for office at the same time.

Johnson’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.