CPI Announces Settlement with Former Acting Superintendent of the State Police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 24, 2009
CONTACT: Walter C. Ayres
518-474-4418
ALBANY — The State Commission on Public Integrity today announced it has reached a settlement with Preston Felton, former Acting Superintendent of the State Police, in the matter that became known as Troopergate. As part of the agreement, Mr. Felton admits that he violated Public Officers Law §74(3)(h) “by acceding to requests communicated to him by William Howard, former Assistant Secretary for Homeland security, to create documents and transmit sensitive information concerning senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's use of State aircraft for trips to New York City and his ground itineraries during such trips.”
The law does not authorize the Commission to assess a monetary penalty against Mr. Felton for this violation.
Barry Ginsberg, Executive Director of the Commission, said, “Mr. Felton received the same treatment as his boss and his boss's boss, both of whom admitted they violated Section 74(3)(h). This agreement sends a clear message that a State official may not simply acquiesce to an unlawful request.”
The Notice and settlement are available on-line at http://www.nyintegrity.org/enforcement/norc.html.