Paterson faces ethics charge over Yankees tickets

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York's Public Integrity Commission has charged embattled Gov. David Paterson with an ethics violation involving a gift of free Yankees tickets for the 2009 World Series that could cost him nearly $100,000 in penalties.

The commission states Paterson may also have given false testimony in the case now being turned over to the Albany County District Attorney's office for possible criminal prosecution.

Paterson could face a penalty of $80,000 for violating the state gift ban for elected officials. The commission says he also violated a prohibition against using his official position to secure unwarranted privileges. That could cost another $10,000 or more.

The commission found Paterson didn't intend to reimburse the Yankees.

There was no immediate comment from the governor's office.