The upshot of former Chief Judge Judith Kaye’s report on the domestic violence incident involving Gov. David Paterson’s top aide, David Johnson, and the governor’s involvement in the case is as follows:

“The Independent Counsel finds no evidence that the State Police or the Executive Chamber interfered with the NYPD response to the October 31, 2009 domestic incident. However, evidence revealed errors in the NYPD response to the incident and errors in judgment following the incident by the headof the Governor’s State Police protection detail, by Johnson and by another close aide to the Governor, and indeed by the Governor himself.

“There were numerous telephone contacts between the Governor and Booker, some that he initiated even after he became aware of the serious nature of her accusations, and even just after he referred this
matter to the OAG.”

“Regardless of any good faith reasons on the part of the Governor for contacts that he initiated, these were errors of judgment.”

Kaye also finds the evidence warrants “consideration of possible charges” against Paterson’s suspended aide, David Johnson, and notes that the Bronx DA is already investigating. She says she has shared material with the DA, adding:

“While not binding on the District Attorney, the Independent Counsel has concluded based on her review that no criminal charges should be brought against any other individual with respect to the matters discussed herein.”

Report.final

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