Soares, Dopp and the Blame Game

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By Azi Paybarah

July 2, 2008 | 6:08 p.m

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Some of the most significant collateral damage from Eliot Spitzer's implosion involves the reputations of two of his one-time allies: former communications director Darren Dopp (the original scapegoat for Troopergate) and David Soares, the Albany County District Attorney (who is the current scapegoat).

Dopp has been on the offensive trying to clear his name, speaking at length with the New York Times, and -- just this this morning -- providing the New York Post with his version of the testimony he gave to the state’s Public Integrity Commission.

The transcript Dopp provided undermines Soares’ initial report into the Troopergate incident, which alleged Dopp acted as a rogue agent and inappropriately ordered the state police to re-create travel records for state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, who received protection from the police (as is customary for legislative leaders).

Just after 5 P.M. today, Soares struck back against Dopp, saying the he plans to release his own notes on the investigation because, he claims, it would be “irresponsible” to draw a conclusion from the “snapshot” Dopp made public.

Here’s Soares statement:

“It has been brought to my attention that portions of a transcript have been disseminated to the press and conclusions have been drawn based solely on that snapshot. Throughout our initial inquiry and subsequent investigation, this Office reviewed hundreds of documents and hours of transcripts to reach legal conclusions with respect to criminal conduct.

“I believe it is irresponsible to draw any conclusion without out first reviewing the full breadth of the information gathered. I look forward to releasing those materials under Freedom of Information Law later this month.

“I am seeking consent from all interested parties to release certain materials to the public in the spirit of transparency. It is my hope that they would consent to the full disclosure of these documents, as I have, so that the people of the State of New York can reach finality in this matter.”