Series ducats case closed

ALBANY, N.Y. – Former New York Gov. David Paterson won’t be charged with perjury on allegations that he lied to the state ethics board about taking free Yankees tickets for the 2009 World Series while he was in office.

The Commission on Public Integrity charged in a report last year that Paterson violated ethics laws when he contradicted his staff, the Yankees and common sense by falsely claiming he always intended to pay for the tickets.

There also was a question whether the Democratic governor gave “intentionally false testimony” to the commission about having written an $850 check in advance for two tickets, independent counsel Judith Kaye said in another report. She said the evidence warranted consideration of criminal charges.

But Albany County District Attorney David Soares informed Paterson’s lawyer in a letter Wednesday that his office won’t pursue perjury charges.

In the letter, Soares did not dispute the charges but said there was not sufficient evidence to prove them beyond a reasonable doubt.