WXXI: Four Charged in Troopergate Scandal (2008-07-24)

A New York State ethics panel says four members of former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's administration broke the law in connection with the scandal known as Troopergate.

The state's Public Integrity Commission has charged four members of former Governor Eliot Spitzer's Administration, including the former Acting State Police Superintendent, with a violation of the public officer's law when they recreated travel records on then State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno in the spring of 2007.

Commission spokesman Walter Ayres says the probe took a year to complete because Spitzer's aides stonewalled the investigation.

"There were a number of times when people in the executive chamber of the Spitzer administration told us they had produced all of the documents they had, and we found out that was not true," said Ayres, who said the commission had to threaten court action in order to obtain the documents.

The report also accuses the Spitzer administration of making "spurious claims of privilege", and says that it's actions were "flatly at odds" with the "promises of Governor Spitzer that the Administration was cooperating fully with the Commission's investigations".

Ayres would not comment on whether he thinks Spitzer was lying. But former Senator Bruno, who retired at the end of the legislative session, says he doesn't buy it.

"It's hard to understand how the chief executive doesn't appear to have any culpability," said Bruno, who said not much escaped the "hands-on" management of Spitzer.

Two of the aides, Richard Baum and William Howard have settled with the commission and will not face any penalties. But former communications director Darren Dopp has said he wants a full hearing of his case before an administrative law judge to clear his name. Felton faces up to $20,000 in fines. Dopp could pay $10,000 in fines, if convicted.

The commission has not ruled out charging Spitzer if more evidence comes to light, especially during a possible hearing on the accusations against Dopp. Its also possible Spitzer may be called to testify if such a hearing occurs.

The Troopergate scandal, which came to light in early July of 2007, was the beginning of a series of controversies and scandals that dogged Spitzer until he abruptly resigned March 12th over a scandal involving his patronizing of prostitutes.

Ethics commission spokesman Ayres says the report's criticisms are not directed at the administration of Governor David Paterson, who took over from Spitzer on March 17th. One of Paterson's first acts in office was to ask for the resignation of acting Police Superintendent Felton, and to appoint someone new to the post.