Protection order against Paterson aide extended

A judge has extended an order of protection against an aide to New York's governor charged with roughing up his former girlfriend.

David Johnson ignored reporters' questions while leaving court yesterday. His lawyer said they had no comment.

Johnson was charged Aug. 12 with assault, menacing, harassment and criminal mischief, all misdemeanors. He pleaded not guilty at that time. The incident touched off an evidence-tampering investigation and ultimately helped Gov. David A. Paterson decide to abandon his bid for a full term.

The confrontation between Johnson and Sherr-Una Booker occurred on Halloween 2009. Booker alleged that Johnson, angry over how she was dressed, choked her, threw her against a dresser and ripped her costume.

Johnson was suspended in February without pay, and he has not had any contact with Booker since a court appearance earlier this year, according to his attorney.

Paterson's involvement in the case - he made a phone call to Booker before she let the case drop initially by not appearing in court - caused him serious political damage, even though investigators found no evidence of witness tampering.

Booker said Johnson tried to stop her from calling the police but eventually left the scene. She called 911 three times, at one point saying she was scared Johnson would come back to "finish the job." - AP