NEW YORK — Cortland County District Attorney Mark Suben called a press conference on Friday afternoon to admit his past as '70s porn performer Gus Thomas.
Thomas was forced to make the confession after a video titled "DistrictAttorneypornstar3" was posted on YouTube Thursday by someone using the name Irwin Schmeck.
The 15-minute video compares footage of Suben now with that of his '70s porn persona Gus Thomas, star of films such as "Doctor's Teenage Dilemma" and "Deep Throat 2."
Suben, who was reelected for a second term as Cortland County District Attorney, had faced and denied allegations of having been a porn performer to CNYCentral.com. He apologized for lying at Friday's press conference, but later said through a spokesperson that he would not resign.
“Recently materials have been circulated alleging that I was involved in the adult film industry 40 years ago in New York," Suben told the press this afternoon. "Those allegations are true; I was an actor in adult films for a short period in the early 70s.
"A few weeks ago, when asked, I denied this to members of the press. I regret that and apologize for it. I was shocked and embarrassed to be confronted with this so many years later. I was embarrassed for my family and friends who stood by me. I also denied my actions to my family, my friends and my staff.
"I do not defend my bad judgment, both my involvement so many years ago and my denial recently," Suben continued. "I humbly apologize to all who have supported me and believed in me from the bottom of my heart."