Acting State Police Superintendent Preston Felton to Resign

CBS 6 News has confirmed that Acting State Police Superintendent Preston Felton will submit his resignation. Sources tell us that that he will resign effective April 4th.

Shortly after we published this story a statement from Felton was sent out to all media outlets confirming the resignation which said:

"Today I advised the Governor*s Office that I will be retiring from State Police service. My last day is expected to be April 4th. I want to thank the Governor*s Office for allowing me the great opportunity to serve the people of the state of New York in this capacity."

Felton has a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in the State Police, but his year long his term as acting superintendent has been filled with controversy. He was named to the position on an interim basis after Wayne Bennett retired last year.

Felton was one of three people recommended for disciplinary action by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for personally handling travel documents intended to damage Senator Joe Bruno that were given to the Times Union. No action was ever taken against him.

One of the names said to be in the running for the position is retired State Police Colonel and former Albany Schools Security Director Harry Corbitt.

Corbitt told CBS 6 News Albany News Chief Ken Screven that he can't comment, but said: "If the Governor chooses me for the position he will make that announcement. No one has notified me officially of the appointment."

Felton is the first commissioner to be replaced in the new Paterson administration.