By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – The state's Public Integrity Commission has charged Governor David Paterson with an ethics violation involving a gift of free Yankees tickets for the 2009 World Series.
The commission says Paterson may also have given false testimony. The case is being turned over to the Albany County District Attorney's office for possible criminal prosecution.
Paterson faces nearly $100,000 in penalties.
It's just the latest blow for a governor who is trying to work his way out of an ongoing scandal involving a key aide and domestic violence. Before entering a cabinet meeting this morning, Paterson told reporters he would like to share his side of the story.
"When I read these accounts that are unsourced and inaccurate, it's obviously frustrating," Paterson said. "The attorney general's investigation is a place where witnesses have to take an oath and where hopefully the truth will come out. I'm confident that I'll be vindicated."
Paterson held a 90 minute cabinet meeting Wednesday morning to discuss the state's ongoing fiscal crisis.