Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
As Scandal Continues, NY State Police Chief Resigns
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 3, 2010
Modified Mar 3, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 3, 2010
Modified Mar 3, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
NY State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt has stepped down from his position as the scandal surrounding the alleged abuse by a Paterson top aide continues to grow. Governor Paterson and members of the State Police security detail assigned to protect him have been accused of pressuring an alleged domestic violence victim into dropping her legal action against the aide, David Johnson. Of course, yesterday Corbitt partly blamed the media glare for his departure, "It’s very difficult, but when your character is being attacked every day and you really don’t have a recourse to defend yourself. Any individual who is criticized constantly feels that pain. And in most cases there is some way to fight back. But in public service there is not. I’m not an elected official, I’m a public servant, I’m a cop. A good cop."
He added, "So to continue to face that pressure, and even pressure from my family - the media showing up in my driveway - that’s unacceptable. So for my own health and for my own sanity it’s the right thing to do." And Corbitt said to NY1's sister station, "The real reason that I am retiring is two fold -- working as a superintendent in the office of superintendent there needs to be this public perception that the person serving in that position is trustworthy and forthright and has the best interests of the citizens of the State of New York in mind. This media firestorm has really destroyed my ability to function in that capacity."
Corbitt admitted to the NY Times that state troopers did contact the girlfriend of Paterson aide David Johnson, after she called police to say Johnson had assaulted her on Halloween of last year. Corbitt claimed that it was routine for state troopers to be involved in a case that "might attract media attention," but others say that's untrue.
Last week, Denise O'Donnell, who oversaw the State Police, resigned claiming that Corbitt misled her about the State Police's role in the incident, "The fact that the Governor and members of the State Police have acknowledged direct contact with a woman who had filed for an order of protection against a senior member of the Governor's staff is a very serious matter. These actions are unacceptable regardless of their intent."
Tagged
david johnson
denise o'donnell
governor paterson
Harry Corbitt
resignation
scandal
state police
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
News
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .