Richard Kessel Announces Resignation From NY Power Authority Amid Investigation

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The head of New York state's largest public power authority has announced he'll step down Sept. 6.

Richard Kessel made the announcement Tuesday at a board of trustees meeting in White Plains. His resignation comes amid an inspector general's investigation into donations and expenditures made during Kessel's three-year stint at the NYPA.

Kessel has denied any wrongdoing. He tells Newsday he wasn't resigning under any political pressure. If he were, he says, he would have done it months ago.

Kessel, who's 61, says he wants to spend more time with his family before deciding on his next job.

The NYPA declined comment.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement thanking Kessel for his long service.

The inspector general's office said the investigation would continue.

NYPA manages 17 facilities across the state.

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