New York Gov. David Paterson (right) announces the nomination of Harry Corbitt as superintendent of the New York State Police in March 2008. Corbitt resigned abruptly on Tuesday.
"The head of the New York State Police on Tuesday announced his abrupt retirement, becoming the second public safety official to depart amid an unfolding scandal threatening Gov. David Paterson and his administration.
Harry Corbitt, who retired before and went back into service two years ago at Paterson's request, gave no reason for his departure. In February he acknowledged a state police official had contact with a woman who had accused a top aide to Gov. David Paterson of assaulting her on Halloween in New York City's Bronx borough. Soon after, the woman dropped the domestic violence complaint against the aide, David Johnson.
Corbitt's boss, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Denise O'Donnell, resigned a week ago saying that direct contact by the governor and troopers with the woman was "unacceptable" regardless of their intent. At the time, she said Corbitt had assured her that state police were not involved in the investigation.
Paterson refused to comment when asked whether he had asked Corbitt to step down.
"I think that we'll move forward now and we will look to see who will be the best person to lead the state police," Paterson told reporters. "I think he worked very hard and he was helpful at this period." NPRThis may not be important, now, but I think Paterson will be stepping down soon. Since he was under pressure from Lord Zero not to run for reelection and gave in, I think his stepping down is next.
