Another Shakeup For New York State Police
Second in Command Steps Down in Wake of Paterson Scandal
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Pedro Perez announced his retirement after 28 years of service.
After a few quiet days, there's been another resignation in Albany.
Pedro Perez, second in command of the New York State Police, is stepping down.
Perez was next in line to succeed Harry Corbitt, who resigned after allegations surfaced the State Police impeded a domestic violence investigation involving a senior aide to Gov. David Paterson.
In his resignation letter, Perez informed the Governor that staying on the job would be "an obstacle to progress."
Perez also cited the ongoing investigation of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
Perez' attorney, Steve Worth, tells NBCNewYork that "my client has cooperated completely" with the Attorney General's investigation. Andrew Cuomo's office interviewed Perez on March 1st.
The departure of Perez is the fourth resignation in the wake of scandals surrounding the Governor, who denies any wrongdoing. The others include Corbitt, Security Chief Denise O'Donnell, and Communications Director Peter Kauffman.
The Patrolmens Benevolent Association urged Gov. Paterson to appoint a strong leader to restore confidence in the beleaguered agency.
"These past few weeks have been difficult for the morale of the men and women of the New York State Police who answer calls for assistance and investigate crime," said Thomas Mungeer, President of the PBA. "We look forward to beginning a new chapter, and we urge the Governor to make this appointment a priority," he said.
