Former Western New York State Senator Mark Panepinto has pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge over an incident involving a female employee. By admitting to promise of employment or compensation for political activity, he faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Federal prosecutors say Panepinto and the female staff member were in New York City for a fundraiser two and a half years ago when he made unwanted sexual advances against her. She later quit her job, prompting the the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics to start an investigation. Panepinto then tried to offer the woman a federally-funded position in return for her silence. She declined and Panepinto decided not to seek re-election.
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy Jr. said in a statement that the defendant’s attempt to cover up the behavior was a federal crime and abused the public’s trust.