Paterson Hit With $62K Fine Over Yankees Series Tickets

Gov. David Paterson has been fined $62,125 for accepting five tickets to Game 1 of the 2009 World Series held at Yankees Stadium, the New York State Commission on Public Integrity announced Monday.

Despite testifying he had always intended to pay for the coveted tickets, an investigation determined that that was false. Paterson's staff and the Yankees contradicted his testimony where he also insisted that it was his "duty" as state governor to attend the opening series game at the new Bronx stadium.

The commission says Paterson performed no ceremonial function at the game, which still would not have entitled him to free tickets for his son and son's friend.


Records showed he paid for four of the six tickets days later.

A message left for Paterson's lawyer was not immediately returned.

An Albany prosecutor has been reviewing whether to bring charges.