Former state administration director, Jim Thorsen, testified before the Rhode Island Ethics Commission that he never saw the croissants and cold Diet Coke his counterpart, David Patten, demanded from a Philadelphia development firm, Scout Ltd. as they arrived for a work trip in 2023. Thorson claims he did not attempt to pay for Patten's $133-a-plate private meal at a Michelin-star restaurant after a tour of the Bok building in South Philadelphia, as Patten had promised to pay the bill. The state ethics code prohibits public officials and administrators from accepting gifts over $25. If the ethics commission chooses to impose maximum penalties for each of the three violations of state law, each including exceeding the gifts limit, breaking a second gift rule specific to goods or services from state vendors, and using his public office for personal gain. The hearing was adjourned for five and a half hours, but left unresolved.