BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- News 4 is working to find out if the NYS Joint Commission on Public Ethics will launch an investigation into State Senator Marc Panepinto.
Senator Panepinto decided last week not to run for re-election, citing personal reasons.
The JCOPE met Tuesday and went into executive session for about three hours. Spokesperson Walt McClure said when they came out, they authorized staff to investigate a number of matters. He wouldn’t confirm or deny whether Panepinto is among those being investigated.
We called the Senator’s office and a spokesperson told us JCOPE has not opened an investigation. The Ethics Commission has 15 days to notify Panepinto of an investigation.
Senate personnel have been doing their own inquiry into Panepinto’s office.
Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke in Buffalo Tuesday about the Senator’s decision not to run for reelection.
“I am very, very disappointed when a person who runs for public office holds themselves out to be trusted by their community and winds up involved in a sordid affair,” said Governor Cuomo. “I don’t know the details, and I don’t want to know the details, but let somebody else run who will respect the position.”
We asked Senator Panepinto’s office about the Governor’s remark regarding an affair, they had no comment.
