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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo may face misdemeanor prices if investigators substantiate a prison criticism accusing the governor of groping an aide final yr, the Albany County sheriff stated Saturday.
Sheriff Craig Apple promised a “very complete” investigation in partnership the Albany County district legal professional’s workplace, however stated it could be untimely to decide to a timeline or say whether or not Cuomo himself will likely be questioned.
“Now we have lots of factfinding to do. Now we have lots of interviews to do,” Apple advised reporters. “I am not going to hurry it due to who he’s. And I am not going to delay it due to who he’s.”
The criticism, filed this week, is the primary recognized occasion the place a lady has made an official report with a regulation enforcement company over alleged misconduct by the Democratic governor.
The aide says Cuomo reached beneath her shirt and fondled her once they have been alone in a room on the Govt Mansion final yr. The lady additionally advised investigators with the legal professional basic’s workplace that Cuomo as soon as rubbed her rear finish whereas they have been posing collectively for a photograph.
Cuomo’s lawyer, Rita Glavin, has stated the allegation was fabricated.
“He’s 63 years previous. He has spent 40 years in public life and for him to the entire sudden be accused of a sexual assault of an govt assistant that he actually does not know, does not cross muster,” Glavin stated.
Apple declined to launch the criticism Saturday however described the allegation as “sexual in nature.” He stated his workplace has a “confirmed report” of serving to victims, including he doesn’t worry retaliation for transferring ahead with such a high-profile investigation.
“I am the county sheriff. I am not going to be intimidated. I am not going to be coerced,” he stated. “That may not play out properly for anyone.”
Cuomo has confronted renewed calls to step down after an impartial investigation overseen by the state legal professional basic’s workplace concluded he sexually harassed 11 ladies and labored to retaliate towards one among his accusers.
The legal professional basic’s report describes a collection of instances Cuomo allegedly acted inappropriately with the aide described as Govt Assistant #1, culminating with the groping encounter on the mansion in November 2020.
In accordance with the girl, Cuomo pulled her in for a hug as she ready to depart the governor’s workplace on the mansion. Advised that “you are going to get us in bother,” Cuomo replied, “I do not care,” and slammed the door shut. He slid his hand up her shirt and grabbed her breast over her bra, in keeping with her account.
“I’ve to inform you, it was — in the meanwhile, I used to be in such shock that I may simply inform you that I simply keep in mind wanting down seeing his hand, seeing the highest of my bra,” she advised investigators.
She stated she pulled away from Cuomo, telling him “You are loopy.”
District attorneys in Manhattan, suburban Westchester, and Nassau counties and the state capital of Albany have stated they requested for investigative supplies from the legal professional basic’s inquiry to see if any of the allegations may lead to prison prices.
Apple stated he is additionally requested these supplies, and spoken with Albany County District Legal professional David Soares and his workplace. He stated he hopes to fulfill with Soares within the coming days and obtain the supplies within the upcoming week.
The sheriff stated he’ll probably have the aide are available in for a collection of interviews in some unspecified time in the future, but in addition harassed he didn’t need to “revictimize these victims and have them inform their story time and again.”
“I believe we have all learn the legal professional basic’s report,” he stated. “At this level, I am very comfy and protected saying she is, the truth is, a sufferer.”
Cuomo has adamantly denied touching the girl’s breasts, saying “I must lose my thoughts to do such a factor.”
It was not clear Saturday why the county sheriff’s workplace was main the investigation and never the Metropolis of Albany police. However Apple stated the criticism occurred within the metropolis of Albany, and that the town and state capitol buildings are each positioned in Albany County.
“I am the sheriff of this county and I’ve jurisdiction,” he stated.
The sheriff stated his workplace would determine whether or not to file prison prices towards Cuomo, however stated he hopes to achieve an settlement on that call with the district legal professional first.
The state Meeting’s judiciary committee plans to fulfill Monday to debate the potential for impeachment proceedings towards Cuomo. Practically two-thirds of the legislative physique have already stated they favor an impeachment trial if he will not resign.
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