The Assembly’s judiciary panel has been investigating the grounds for impeaching the Democratic governor. This includes sexual harassment allegations, misleading the public about COVID-19 epidemics in nursing homes, and the use of state resources and staff to pay $5 million for his book deal.
Davis Polk & Wardwell, the law firm that is leading the investigation, wrote Thursday to remind Cuomo’s legal staff that it had subpoenaed documents and expected “full compliance” from the governor. However, Cuomo was not allowed to reply.
They wrote that “We are writing to inform you that the Committee is close to completion and the Assembly Will Soon Consider Potential Articles of Impeachment Against Your Client.” “Accordingly, the Committee invites you to submit any additional evidence or written submissions you wish it to consider before concluding its work.”
Charles Lavine (a Long Island Democrat, Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee) released the letter publicly.
The next meeting of the committee on this matter has been scheduled for Monday.
Findings from an independent investigation overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James released earlier this week said Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women, and that his administration retaliated against at least one of them for going public with her allegations.
Cuomo has denied making any inappropriate sexual advances and insists the findings don’t reflect the facts. He’s resisted numerous calls for his resignation from most of New York’s top Democrats and from national figures like President Joe Biden.
The governor did not have any public events scheduled for Thursday and has not been available for reporters since Tuesday’s publication of the report.
District attorneys in Manhattan, suburban Westchester, Oswego, and Nassau counties and the state capital of Albany said they asked for investigative materials from the inquiry to see if any of the allegations could result in criminal charges.
Greg Oakes, Oswego County District attorney, told WSYR-TV he will start investigating an incident involving a woman. She testified that Cuomo placed two fingers across her chest while grazing the area between her breasts and shoulder at an upstate conservation event held in May 2017.
Cuomo was accused of touching her breasts. Others claim that Cuomo gave unwanted kisses to them or touched their bodies in a way that made them uncomfortable.
Nearly 60% — at least 89 — of the Assembly’s 150 members said they would impeach Cuomo if he doesn’t resign, according to a tally by The Associated Press based on interviews and public statements.
This is more than the simple majority required for an impeachment referendum.
Sarah Clark, a Rochester Democrat, stated that her colleagues, who used to be hesitant about calling for Cuomo’s resignation, are now calling for him to resign or be impeached.
Clark stated that there are no more questions that anyone would have about Clark’s state law violations and the state sexual harassment laws that he signed into force.
Carl Heastie, Assembly Speaker, stated that the Assembly’s judiciary panel will finish its investigation “as soon as possible” before the chamber votes to approve articles of impeachment.
It’s not clear, however, how long it will take. Several members of the judiciary committee estimate that it could take weeks or even months.
Clark asked the legislative leaders if they would submit first articles of impeachment for harassment and then add to them later. However, Democrat Tom Abinanti of the committee said he supported putting off the probe and drafting comprehensive articles that could withstand legal scrutiny.
