NEW YORK, March 3 (UPI) -- New York Gov. David Paterson violated state ethics laws when he obtained free World Series tickets for himself and others, a state commission has charged.
The New York State Commission on Public Integrity alleges in addition to breaking a state ban on gifts to public officials, Paterson lied under oath when he said he intended to pay for the $425 per seat tickets, The New York Times reported Wednesday.
Paterson is already under investigation over his alleged role in attempting to suppress a domestic-violence case involving his aide, David W. Johnson, the Times said.
The scandal-plagued Paterson announced last week he would not seek re-election, but he has repeatedly refused to resign in the face of increasing calls for his ouster.
"I feel that the best thing is for me to remain as governor," Paterson said, "and I don't think that I've done anything wrong that would merit that I shouldn't be governor," he said.
