After tendering his departure amid a sexual abuse scandal including 11 different women, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed himself two more weeks in government, but there might still be legal implications.
Cuomo’s alleged actions throughout 2013 and 2020 were determined to violate federal and state law, as well as his personal regulations; this is according to a 165-page investigation released last week by the state attorney general’s office.
Detectives questioned 179 persons and studied more than 74,000 pages of papers; moreover, nine of the accusers were former or current state officials.
According to the investigation, what these eyewitnesses and many others experienced was sexual harassment, not just antiquated, loving behavior.
Tomorrow's cover: At the end of his grope. Gov. Cuomo finally resigns https://t.co/tyCWqW8WQl pic.twitter.com/CPGCi8Q2Ff
— New York Post (@nypost) August 10, 2021
At least five attorneys general from throughout the state have requested papers from the inquiry to see if they can pursue criminal charges against the governor.
So, whatever happens after that?
Cuomo is already the subject of a police case in Albany County, New York; this is based on claims made by Brittany Commisso, a senior governor’s secretary, who says Cuomo fondled her in the governor’s mansion last year and touched her behind on another occasion.
In a release, Albany Sheriff Craig Apple stated the county’s inquiry will be unaffected by yesterday’s release. They still have a criminal complaint and an allegation of wrongdoing. Therefore, their investigation is still ongoing.
He told the New York Post last week that if Commisso’s allegations are true, the governor may be detained and charged with a misdemeanor. His accusers may potentially launch legal cases against him, with at least one indicating that she intends to do so.
All in a day…
– Cuomo Resigns
– Gov. Abbott wins in Texas Supreme Court – now has authority to arrest runaway Members.
– SW, AA & United won’t require employees to be Vaccinated
– Subway Franchisees ask for Megan Rapinoe ad be removed
– Chicago cops turn backs on Lightfoot
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) August 11, 2021
He told the paper that the ultimate outcome might be that it sounds verified and a charge is made, with the DA’s responsibility to pursue the arrest.
Cuomo has rejected the charge, and his lawyer claimed it was made up
He is a 63-year-old man. Rita Glavin, the governor’s attorney, said Friday that he Cuomo lived 40 years in government life and that being accused of sexual harassment of an administrative secretary he doesn’t know does not really withstand scrutiny.
Attorney General David Soares of Albany District refused to respond on the retirement on Tuesday, but his office indicated the probe was still ongoing. In a television appearance last week, he invited other potential victims to contact his office.
To all survivors who have come forward: your bravery & courage in sharing what happened to you is making change. We see you, we hear you, we stand with you. https://t.co/FmUDChOfXB
— Joyful Heart (@TheJHF) August 10, 2021
It’s likely that attorneys in other sections of the state will launch their own inquiries, as well as the Department of Justice. Though some criminal investigations remained underway, the Justice Department discontinued a civil rights probe into Cuomo’s management of the coronavirus death toll in New York nursing facilities in late July.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched a fresh inquiry of police last week, but there was no mention of Cuomo. Separate doubts have been raised concerning the departing governor’s $5 million book contract, touting his coronavirus management, as well as whether well-connected friends and family had early access to COVID-19 testing.
