Gov. David Paterson has fired his body man, David Johnson, almost nine months after suspending him without pay in the wake of a domestic violence scandal that helped end the governor’s career in public office.

Nick Confessore reported on City Room that Johnson was formally removed from the state payroll on Nov. 19 – news that was subsequently confirmed by a Paterson administration spokeswoman. Johnson has been suspended since Feb. 25.

Confessore writes:

Mr. Johnson’s lawyer, Oscar Michelen, said there was no particular significance to the date of Mr. Johnson’s termination and described it as a housekeeping matter that accompanied the winding down of Mr. Paterson’s term and the conclusion of two formal inquiries into the administration’s handling of Mr. Johnson’s domestic violence case.

Mr. Johnson asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in both investigations and refused to provide testimony.

Mr. Johnson still faces criminal prosecution in the Bronx on misdemeanor assault and other charges. No trial date has yet been set in that case.

“He’s not employed,” Mr. Michelen said. “I can say he has not started a new position anywhere.”

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