Sherr-una Booker, woman at center of Gov. Paterson scandal, seeking charges against David Johnson

Adam Lisberg New York Daily News 07/21/2010 19:22

Sherr-una Booker will ask prosecutors to pursue a case against ex-Paterson aide David Johnson.

The woman at the center of the scandal that crippled Gov. Paterson's administration is breaking her silence - and demanding prosecutors charge one of his former top aides.

Sherr-una Booker, who dropped her first abuse complaint against boyfriend David Johnson after a talk with Paterson, said she is following through now because she wants the truth to be told.

"It's the right thing to do," Booker said in her first interview, at times close to tears. "I don't want any woman to go through what I went through."

She plans to ask prosecutors as soon as today to pursue a case against Johnson and hopes to inspire other abused women to stand up for themselves.

"You're in shock. You're overwhelmed. You're fearful," Booker said. "It's not okay for anyone to put their hands on anyone else. It's not okay for some woman to be fearful. It's just not okay. Speak up. Stand up."

Booker first called the NYPD on Halloween night when the 6-foot-7 Johnson allegedly grabbed her, ripped her clothes and slammed her against a dresser in their Bronx apartment, according to the police report.

He ripped a phone from Booker's hand and ordered a friend of hers to leave "if you know what's good for you," she said.

Johnson soon fled, Booker said, and she called cops. Police said they saw no injuries on her and wrote a report of misdemeanor second-degree harassment.

Johnson has said he did nothing wrong and will be vindicated.