The New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee released the investigation report into accusations of sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Committee Chair Charles Lavine says investigators looked at the sexual harassment allegations against the former governor, as well as claims of manipulating COVID-19 nursing home deaths. They also looked at whether state resources were used to write the pandemic memoir that resulted in a $5 million windfall for Cuomo.
Last week the Commission on Public Ethics said Cuomo used state resources for that book – and voted 12-1 to rescind approval for a book deal. It’s unclear what that means for the money he made from the book- since that approval was initially granted.
The report also says Cuomo engaged in multiple instances of sexual harassment, including by creating a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual misconduct.
“This has been a profoundly sad chapter in New York’s history. I commend Chairman Charles Lavine, the members of the Judiciary Committee and the team at Davis Polk for their hard work and diligence in completing this investigation,” added Speaker Carl Heastie.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay issued the following statement after the report was released:
“The Assembly Judiciary Committee’s report on its impeachment investigation confirms what I, and others, have said throughout 2021: Andrew Cuomo abused the power of his office and deserved to be impeached. The details of his misdeeds have been documented in countless media reports, through multiple investigations by the attorney general and now – at long last – by the Judiciary Committee’s findings. The facts presented by the Committee’s investigators clearly illustrate that he was unfit to lead this state. He routinely harassed multiple female employees, utilized state resources to line his pockets with a $5.1 million book deal and deceived everyone on the severity of COVID’s impact in the state’s nursing homes. The former governor has repeatedly denied wrongdoing while attacking his accusers and dismissing substantial scandals as politically motivated. I’m sure he and his team will continue to defend the indefensible. However, what he has yet to do is accept any responsibility or face real accountability for his actions. With additional investigations still looming, the information contained in the Judiciary Committee report should now be used by law-enforcement agencies to ensure that accountability is finally achieved.”
Check out the full-report below:
2021.11.22 Report by cbs6albany
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