WASHINGTON - A former federal official admitted she abused her authority in a publicity stunt that tricked New York City public housing residents into sounding supportive of former President Donald Trump, ethics oversight officials said Tuesday.The admission by Lynne Patton came as part of a civil settlement with the U.S.
Office of Special Counsel that bars Patton from holding a federal job for four years and imposes a $1,000 fine.Patton "improperly harnessed the authority of her federal position to assist the Trump campaign in violation of the Hatch Act," said a statement released by the special counsel office.Patton had repeatedly denied she misled the housing residents.FILE - Lynne Patton speaks at the 2016 Republican National.