State ethics investigators have settled cases involving two Western New York political figures embroiled in scandals.
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced Thursday it reached a settlement with a man who previously worked for former State Senator Marc Panepinto. The Democrat served two months in federal prison for trying to cover up unwanted sexual advances he made toward a female staffer.
Another staffer Christopher Savage admitted he tried to dissuade her from cooperating with the Commission. He also admitted to offering her a job set up by Panepinto in exchange for her non-cooperation.
Savage chose to work with ethics investigators, leading to Panepinto’s conviction last year. JCOPE’s investigation had been deferred pending the federal criminal investigation into Panepinto’s conduct.
JCOPE also reached a settlement Thursday with former Cheektowaga Assemblywoman Angela Wozniak. She was admonished by the Assembly Speaker back in 2016 for retaliating against a former staffer she admitted to having an affair with.
The agreement is confidential but will be made public within 45 days of its execution. Wozniak chose not to seek re-election– and said at the time she wanted to focus on her family.