Domestic abuse case raises questions in Albany

A woman recently testified against a close aide of Governor Paterson, saying the aide physically abused her. Gov. Paterson suspended the aide and asked for a state investigation into the abuse allegations. However, the timeline of events shows that the woman says she was pressured by the state police and even received a phone call from the governor himself.

And questions arise as to whether the governor’s office wielded any influence over the woman’s decision not to show up for her most recent court date, resulting in a mistrial. Karen Dewitt, Albany reporter for WNYC radio, explains the story and what this reveals about Albany’s use of the state police.