New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, released transcripts from the state’s investigation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation.
The transcripts come three months after the release of the investigation in August regarding multiple women who made sexual harassment claims against Cuomo. The investigation included some women who were state workers at the time of the alleged incidents.
The investigation also led to a class A misdemeanor of Forcible Touching charge last month from Albany County sheriff’s investigator Amy Kowalski.
The trove of information included a 515-page transcript (pdf) from July 17 that featured Cuomo’s direct testimony regarding his responses to the multiple allegations.
Cuomo maintained his innocence from the allegations throughout his testimony. However, notable pieces of information occur through the details of the transcript.
For example, on page 166 Cuomo was asked, “Has any member of your staff ever sat in your lap?”
“Not as a general rule,” Cuomo responded. “But I wouldn’t be surprised, at a social event or something, somebody may have sat on my lap.”
He later noted, “I don’t recall anyone specifically. But, you know, I have people who have worked with me 14 years.”
Transcripts from 10 additional complainants were also released, along with selected exhibits in the investigation.
The investigation’s report led to the resignation of Cuomo in late August. Cuomo’s departure led to Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, another Democrat, taking over, becoming the first woman to run New York state.
Cuomo released a statement blasting the misdemeanor charge after it was made against him.
“In the last 72 hours, Sheriff Apple and Tish James have epitomized the worst combination of politics, incompetence and abuse of the law,” Cuomo said in a press release on Oct. 31.
“In an unprecedented move, Sheriff Apple filed charges against Governor Cuomo without the authorization of or coordination with the District Attorney, provoking condemnation and outrage from legal experts nationwide,” the press release read.
Cuomo’s current misdemeanor charge originally summoned him to appear for an arraignment on Nov. 17. Albany County District Attorney David Soares asked for that to be put off for 60 days. Cuomo is expected to appear in court on Jan. 7, 2022.
The complaint accuses Cuomo, who resigned earlier this year amid misconduct allegations, of groping a woman in an unlawful manner, and he allegedly “did knowingly, and intentionally commit the class A misdemeanor of Forcible Touching.”
The incident allegedly occurred on the afternoon of Dec. 7, 2020, in the Albany Executive Mansion, which was his official residence, according to the document, which was signed by Albany County sheriff’s investigator Amy Kowalski. The identity of the alleged victim was redacted from the complaint.
Forcible touching, a class A misdemeanor in New York state, can carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail or three years probation.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
