Prosecutors all over the state of New York are launching investigations following the release of Attorney General Letitia James’s report detailing the sexual harassment allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo (D).
At least five district attorneys have opened or are considering opening criminal investigations into the governor’s misdeeds.
“When our office learned yesterday that the attorney general’s investigation of the governor’s conduct was complete, our office contacted the attorney general’s office to begin requesting investigative materials in their possession pertaining to incidents that occurred in Manhattan,” said a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance.
“It’s pretty clear that we have an obligation here, and thus we’ve reached out to the attorney general’s office seeking all of the evidence upon which they uncovered and relied upon to author their report,” added Albany District Attorney David Soares. The attorney general’s 165-page report leads him to believe that “criminal activity in fact has indeed taken place,” said Soares.
The Albany DA’s investigation will focus on an incident that occurred at the New York State Executive Mansion last November. That is when Cuomo allegedly put his hand under a female aide’s shirt and groped her. So far, eleven women have come forward with allegations against Cuomo. They include unwanted hugging, kissing, touching, and groping, making suggestive comments, and asking for kisses.
Cuomo claims he did nothing wrong, but the scandal has cost him virtually all support from the state’s lawmakers.
“Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York,” wrote Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). “Governor Cuomo should resign.”
The New York State Assembly in March launched an impeachment investigation to determine whether the allegations are grounds for Cuomo’s removal. Next week, they plan to consolidate James’s report with evidence already collected.
“The governor has lost his ability to govern, both practically and morally,” argues New York State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs, a former ally. “The party and this state will not be well served by a long, protracted removal process designed only to delay what is now, clearly inevitable.”
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, more than 50 members of the 150-member Assembly have urged Cuomo to resign. If the Assembly approves impeachment articles, Cuomo would be immediately replaced by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul while his trial proceeds. If so, Hochul would be the first female to lead the state of New York.
Sources:
Cuomo under investigation: More district attorneys explore cases against NY governor
Andrew Cuomo Faces Impeachment Call as Inquiries Into Sexual Harassment Grow