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N.Y. governor fined for accepting free World Series tickets

By the CNN Wire Staff
A New York state ethics board has fined Gov. David A. Paterson for receiving free 2009 World Series tickets.
A New York state ethics board has fined Gov. David A. Paterson for receiving free 2009 World Series tickets.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • A state ethics board fines Gov. Paterson $62,125 for receiving free World Series tickets
  • Patterson says he "always intended to pay for the tickets"
  • He attended the game with two aides, his teenage son and his son's friend

New York (CNN) -- A New York state ethics board has fined Gov. David A. Paterson $62,125 for "soliciting, accepting and receiving" five free World Series tickets from the New York Yankees in 2009.

Patterson said he had "always intended to pay for the tickets," a claim later found to be false, according to a written statement Monday from the state's Commission on Public Integrity.

"The governor's false testimony is ... evidence that he knew his conduct was unlawful and, thus, is one factor underlying the commission's determination that the governor violated" public officers laws.

Paterson attended the game with two aides, his teenage son and his son's friend, the statement said.

The commission said the Yankees have financial interests relating to New York state government -- including real estate, stadium development and tax matters -- creating a conflict of interest when Paterson accepted the complimentary tickets from the organization.

Paterson could not immediately be reached for comment. The New York Yankees declined to comment.