The allegations keep piling up for Andrew Cuomo.
Before now, the probe conducted by New York AG Letitia James didn’t include potential criminal charges.
But that has all changed with the latest developments.
The latest accusations claim that Cuomo aggressively groped a female staffer and that his actions may have risen “to the level of a crime.”
And the Albany Police Department confirmed that a complaint was filed against Cuomo for the incident.
Here’s the latest:
Lock Him Up!!! https://t.co/NFRcI1Mqyi
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) March 11, 2021
NEWS
Latest Accusation Against Cuomo Is Referred to Albany Police
The police characterized the alleged groping by the governor of a female aide as something that may rise “to the level of a crime.”
@jessemckinley @luisferre report https://t.co/YpwtroTc7k
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 11, 2021
PRESSURE BUILDS: Senator Schumer Calls Latest Cuomo Allegations ‘Nauseating’ https://t.co/VzaM8DGy4L
— Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) March 11, 2021
.@NYGovCuomo allegations: @nyspolice files police report in Albany over groping claim at executive mansion… @KamalaHarris silenthttps://t.co/elSMB6Aqau
— Bernard B. Kerik (@BernardKerik) March 11, 2021
From the Times Union of Albany:
A female aide to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo alleges he aggressively groped her in a sexually charged manner after she had been summoned to the Executive Mansion late last year, according to a person with direct knowledge of the woman’s claims.
The staff member, whose identity is being withheld by the Times Union, had been called to the mansion under the apparent pretext of having her assist the governor with a minor technical issue involving his mobile phone. They were alone in Cuomo’s private residence on the second floor when he closed the door and allegedly reached under her blouse and began to fondle her, according to the source.
The allegations by the female aide, who is the sixth woman to accuse Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, were first reported Tuesday by the Times Union. The additional details describe the most egregious behavior attributed to the governor to date — conduct that could potentially be pursued as a misdemeanor sexual assault charge.
The person briefed on the case, who is not authorized to comment publicly, said the woman — who is much younger than Cuomo — told the governor to stop. Her broader allegations include that he frequently engaged in flirtatious behavior with her, and that it was not the only time that he had touched her.
Fox News also reported:
Police Thursday received word from the governor’s own office that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo may have been involved in an incident that could be a crime. The report was made by the New York State Executive Chamber as a matter of protocol in cases involving physical contact.
The incident allegedly involved a female aide and took place at Cuomo’s executive mansion. The woman herself has not filed a complaint.
The development comes as the governor faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment. On Wednesday, the Albany Times Union reported that a woman said Cuomo aggressively groped her at the mansion.
“As a matter of state policy when allegations of physical contact are made, the agency informs the complainant that they should contact their local police department,” said Beth Garvey, Acting Counsel to the Governor, in a statement provided to Fox News. The agency is the Executive Chamber.
“If they decline, the agency has an obligation to reach out themselves and inform the department of the allegation. In this case the person is represented by counsel and when counsel confirmed the client did not want to make a report, the state notified the police department and gave them the attorney’s information,” Garvey said.
Police have not opened an official investigation, but they are offering their services to the woman who is the alleged victim, as is their policy, The New York Times reported.
At least six women have accused Cuomo of misconduct — adding to the mounting scrutiny the governor faces for his handling of the pandemic.
The allegation reported Wednesday entailed a female aide being summoned to the executive mansion late last year under the apparent pretext she would help Cuomo with a technical issue with his mobile phone. According to the Times-Union, Cuomo allegedly reached under her blouse and began to fondle her while they were on the second floor.
Cuomo has denied the accusation, saying on Wednesday, “I have never done anything like this.”
Wednesday’s allegation was the sixth to date and came as the state’s attorney general, Letitia James, was assembling a team to investigate the claims.
Cuomo has said he is “confident” in the result of James’ investigation.
After multiple allegations surfaced in February, the governor released a statement in which he denied inappropriately touching anybody but acknowledged his jokes at work might have been misinterpreted.
“I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended,” he said.
“I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.”
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!