NY Governor's Aide Charged With Assault

Political Scandal has hit New York...again. In the saga that brought an evidence tampering investigation against New York Governor David Paterson, the aide involved in the domestic dispute will now face assault charges. The Halloween 2009 incident involving Paterson's aide David Johnson, and his then-girlfriend Sherr-una Booker will result in misdemeanor charges for Johnson.

The story behind the story in this case involves David Paterson's role in the domestic ordeal. Although ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing (but the investigating judge did note that Paterson showed poor judgment in dealing with the situation), Paterson called Booker after the incident -- a phone call that brought suspicion of witness tampering, according to Reuters. Johnson and Booker got into a physical argument after Johnson did not approve of Booker's costume. Booker alleges in her complaint that Johnson choked her, lifted her into the air, threw her against a dresser, and ripped her costume.

Booker further contends that Johnson threatened her: "You're not going anywhere ... I'll kill you before I let you go anywhere." In addition to the assault charges, Johnson is also being charged with harassment, and criminal mischief. Following the phone call by Paterson, Booker had originally dropped the charges against her former boyfriend, and claims that she was also met with resistance from other sources of authority: "the state troopers kept calling me and harassing me to drop the charges."

The questionable circumstances surrounding Paterson's involvement in this case led the governor to abandon his bid for a full term. Johnson has been suspended without pay since February, and there have been no further comments from the governor's office regarding the future status of his employment. Although the circumstances for bringing this case may seem like fodder for an episode of Law and Order, Booker will finally have her day in court.

Related Resources:

• NY governor's aid charged with assault (Houston Chronicle)
• Battery Basics (FindLaw)
• Nude Runner Alleges Assault by Penn State Police (FindLaw's Injured)