By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – An investigation into Governor David Paterson's acquisition of World Series tickets last year finds that the Governor offered "inaccurate and misleading" testimony.
The final report from former Chief Justice Judith Kaye was released Thursday. It says the evidence warrants consideration of possible criminal charges by the Albany County District Attorney's office.
At issue is Paterson's apparent solicitation and acceptance of free tickets from the New York Yankees. Four of five tickets for a game between the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies subsequently were paid for.
Paterson testified he took an $850 check to the ballgame to pay for his teenage son and his friend though as governor it was his ceremonial duty to attend.
Attorney Theodore Wells Jr. says he and Paterson remain hopeful Albany County District Attorney David Soares will conclude no charges are warranted.
Wells says Paterson didn't lie in his testimony. He noted Kaye's report does not specifically recommend bringing charges or conclude Paterson intended to give false testimony.
A spokeswoman in the DA's office said Soares was aware of Kaye's report Thursday and would have no further comment until the review is complete.