FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Executive Branch Ethics Commission will meet Friday to begin delving into allegations that Gov. Paul Patton misused his influence to help — and harm — a woman with whom he has acknowledged a sexual relationship.

Patton

        Mr. Patton, during his tearful admission last week that he misled people about his relationship with Tina Conner, said he would cooperate with the investigation and hoped it would help restore trust in him.

        Ms. Conner has sued Mr. Patton and state government, alleging that he helped her with appointments and regulatory influence during their affair and then turned regulators loose on her Clinton nursing home when she broke it off.

        The Cabinet for Health Services said its investigations and penalties for Birchtree Healthcare were not influenced by Mr. Patton's office. And reports from individual investigators reflect serious problems with care and staffing at the facility, which has lost Medicaid and Medicare payments and has filed for bankruptcy.

        The commission can recommend fines and reprimands if it determines there was improper use of influence. The fines can rise to $5,000 for each violation.

        There are two other areas the commission can take up under ordinary circumstances, but Executive Director Jill LeMaster said there is some murky legal territory in Mr. Patton's case.

        The commission can refer potential criminal violations to the attorney general's office for prosecution if it finds improper contracting, which Ms. LeMaster said does not appear to apply in Mr. Patton's case. The commission can also recommend removal to the employer.

        But because Mr. Patton is an elected official, there is no “appointing authority,” with the power to remove him. Under the Kentucky Constitution, the governor can only be removed from office after impeachment by the House and conviction after a trial in the Senate.

        Mr. Patton was back in his Capitol office on Monday.

        Mr. Patton originally had planned a private trip this week, apparently to coincide with his wedding anniversary Sunday.

        His wife, Judi Patton, did not attend his emotional press conference Friday. Spokesmen said she was at home in Pikeville with her sisters.

        Mr. Patton's lawyer said Friday he would begin talks with Ms. Conner about the lawsuit, apparently in hopes of reaching a settlement. Neither lawyer returned calls for comment on Monday.

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