RI Officials Resign and Face Ethics Probe Over Philly Trip Scandal

Rhode Island state director David Patten has resigned amid accusations of inappropriate behavior on a business trip to Philadelphia. Patten had been on paid leave since March 10, and his resignation is effective June 30. Patten's attorney attributed his behavior to a "mental health event." The state's human resources probe found Patten's conduct was "disturbing, entirely unacceptable, and not representative of Rhode Island's values or the integrity of the state workforce." Patten's former boss, Jim Thorsen, was also accused of failing to intervene during the trip.