Broome County Executive Debbie Preston’s use of a credit card in 2011 and 2012 has now led to the naming of a special prosecutor to determine whether there was any wrongdoing. Vince Briga explains why Preston's attorney believes this could be all about politics.

With Election Day quickly approaching, Broome County Executive Debbie Preston finds herself in a difficult situation.

Earlier this week, she admitted to taking out a credit card, both in her name and in the Town of Conklin’s name, in July of 2011, when she was still Town Supervisor. She also admitted to using the card for personal items.

Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary was assigned to look into whether there was anything wrong with that.

"The district attorney made a request to have a special prosecutor just to look into the allegations. Just to look in. You all have to remember an investigation is just that, an investigation," said Paul Battisti, Preston’s attorney.

Preston claims the more than $20,000 in purchases she placed on the card were, at least partially, to replace household items she lost in 2011 flooding. However, according to a credit card statement sent to Time Warner Cable News by an anonymous source, Preston was still using the card through May of 2012; five months after she became county executive.

In an exclusive interview with Preston this past June, she reflected on the difficulties families like hers faced during the flood.

"If something had happened because I didn't do something, because I was looking out for myself and my family, I couldn't have lived with myself with that," Preston said.

Current town of Conklin Supervisor Jim Finch, who asked not to be on camera, said the town had no knowledge of the credit card until a bill arrived in April 2012. He says no one at the town is given a personal credit card, and if so, it's something the town board should have approved.

Earlier this week, Preston's attorney said this could be a case of an "October Surprise."

"What's rather unique about this is we're talking about conduct that individuals had dating back to 2011 to 2012. Where were they the last four years? Then all of a sudden, anonymously it shows up, and how much credibility can one have with an anonymous delivery," said Battisti.

The credit card statement indicates Preston made $3,500 worth of purchases in May 2012, after the town says it became aware of the card’s existence. Many of those charges were at clothing stores and other local retailers.

Earlier in the week, Preston acknowledged she made a mistake, but said she will continue to run in the upcoming election.

"I regret that it happened. If I could go back, I certainly wouldn't do this. As I said, it was difficult times, and again, again, it was never, ever town or taxpayer money," said Preston.

The town acknowledged that the credit card balance was fully paid off in 2012.

Battisti and Preston declined further comment Thursday. The special prosecutor’s investigation is expected to begin next week.