Paterson faces ethics charge over Yankees tickets

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s Public Integrity Commission has
charged embattled Gov. David Paterson with an ethics violation
involving a gift of free Yankees tickets for the 2009 World Series
that could cost him nearly $100,000 in penalties.

The commission says Paterson may also have given false testimony in the case now being turned over to the Albany County District Attorney’s office for possible criminal prosecution.

Paterson could face a penalty of $80,000 for violating the state
gift ban for elected officials. The commission says Wednesday he
also violated a prohibition against using his official position to
secure unwarranted privileges. That could cost another $10,000 or
more.

The commission found Paterson didn’t intend to reimburse the
Yankees.

There was no immediate comment from the governor’s office.