Paterson Aide Terminated After NY Domestic Dispute

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- An aide to New York Governor David Paterson who was accused of domestic violence, an incident that embroiled Paterson in scandal, has been terminated.

State Comptroller's Office records show that David Johnson has been off the state payroll since November 19. He had been on unpaid leave since Feb. 25.

Johnson has pleaded not guilty to assault, menacing, harassment and criminal mischief in the Halloween 2009 incident. His girlfriend claimed Johnson was angry over how she was dressed, choked her, threw her against a dresser and ripped her costume.

The case led to claims of evidence-tampering at the top levels of the governor's office. None was proven.

Paterson ended his campaign for a full term amid the scandal, saying he couldn't clear his name and run for office at the same time.

Johnson's attorney didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

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