BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- A spokesperson for Erie County District Attorney Michael Flaherty confirms the DA’s office is investigation allegations of an underage drinking party at State Senator Marc Panepinto’s Buffalo home. The DA’s office says it is still trying to find credible information about the claims.
News 4 reported Friday that a former City Honors parent said the home of a state senator was often used as a party house when their son attended the school a couple years ago.
The parent, who asked News 4 not to identify them, said underage drinking was a regular occurrence at the Bidwell Parkway residence of Sen. Marc Panepinto.
One of Sen. Panepinto’s children currently attends City Honors.
A source within the school community also reported to News 4 underage drinking has been an ongoing problem at the home, and that it has been a source of frustration for parents.
Last week, Panepinto announced he will not seek re-election for his 60th district senate seat.
“I’ve gotta put my family first, and my law family, above the voters of the 60th senate district and be able to refocus my activity back here at the law firm,” he told the media during his resignation speech.
The first term senator noted health issues of his law partner, family matters, and a potential new rule on outside income as his reason for not running again, but reports of internal staff problems and a possible ethics investigation left many scratching their heads.
“There is a personnel matter, which is confidential, which I can’t discuss, but there is presently no ethics investigation,” Sen. Panepinto said.
His chief of staff was recently changed.
Tuesday, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics met. A spokesperson wouldn’t confirm or deny if Sen. Panepinto is in fact being investigated.
A spokesperson for the senator told News 4 no ethics investigation has been launched; they also said they’re unaware of any investigation into the underage drinking concerns.
