FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Paul Patton said he settled ethics charges against him not because he was guilty but because he would have been found guilty by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.
Patton reached an agreement with the commission Sunday to avoid an administrative hearing, scheduled to start Monday. He acknowledged to two instances of using his power and influence to benefit Tina Conner, a woman with whom he had an affair, and commission members dropped two other charges stemming from the relationship.
The Democratic governor, who was barred by law from seeking a third term this year and leaves office next month, agreed to accept a $5,000 fine and a public reprimand.