Former Trump official Lynne Patton was penalized for violating the Hatch Act

© AP Lynne Patton. AP

Former Housing and Urban Development official and Trump administration appointee Lynne Patton has been penalized by the Office of Special Council for violating the Hatch Act.

In a settlement announced on Tuesday, Patton accepted a 48-month ban from federal employment and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Patton, who served as a Region II administrator for HUD, admitted to violating the Hatch Act through using her position to produce a video for the Republican National Convention.

The Office of Special Counsel said in a statement that Patton created a video of housing conditions while living in the New York City Housing Authority.

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“By using information and NYCHA connections available to her solely by virtue of her HUD position, Patton improperly harassed the authority of her federal position to assist the Trump camping in violation of the Hatch act,” the Office Special Counsel said.

The Hatch Act of 1939 bars top-level government officials other than the president and vice president from taking part in political activity.

But several Trump administration staffers were accused of flouting the Hatch Act regulations at the RNC last year, and insiders previously said Trump aides took “pride” in violating ethics laws.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.