Johnson (left) walking with Governor Paterson (right)By JOHN MCLOUGHLIN
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Suspended gubernatorial aide David Johnson returned to Albany Wednesday for the first time since Governor Paterson suspended him amid allegations of domestic abuse.
Johnson traveled from New York City to testify before the State Commission on Public Integrity not about allegations that he smacked around his girlfriend last Halloween, but about the five free World Series tickets that Paterson accepted from the Yankees.
Johnson was one of the five who accompanied the governor to the World Series.
The commission already issued a report claiming the governor may have violated the law by accepting the free passes.
Johnson and his attorney, Oscar Michelen, were inside the commission's office for 75 minutes as Johnson testified behind closed doors.
Later, Johnson said nothing and his attorney said little more, simply telling reporters he would not comment on the substance of what was said.
Claims by Johnson's former girlfriend that he slammed her around last October have sparked a full-blown criminal investigation. The special prosecutor, former Chief Judge Judith Kaye of the Court of Appeals is looking into, among other things, whether the governor himself may have violated the law by speaking with the woman just before she failed to appear in court to press the charges.
Paterson and Johnson both have maintained their innocence of all charges.
NEWS10 ABC
