Panel’s Inquiry on Spitzer Aide May Go On

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The State Commission on Public Integrity can continue, for now, to gather evidence related to Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s former communications director, Darren Dopp, while a separate criminal investigation proceeds, a state judge ruled on Thursday, according to The New York Times.

Dopp, a key figure in several investigations into the Spitzer administration’s efforts to discredit a political rival, had sought to prevent the commission from gathering information about him until an investigation by the Albany County district attorney, P. David Soares, had been completed, the paper reported.

While the judge, Michael C. Lynch of State Supreme Court, rejected a request by Dopp’s lawyer, Michael Koenig, that he immediately halt the commission’s collection of evidence, he did say he would consider the motion to block the investigation, the paper reported.

Lynch also rejected a motion to keep the court filings secret, people on both sides of the case said, the paper reported.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 1/4/08