Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been charged with a misdemeanor sex crime by the Albany City Court.
Cuomo is accused of groping an unnamed woman in the complaint filed by an investigator for the Albany County Sheriff’s Department. The crime allegedly took place December 7, 2020 at the governor’s mansion, where he “intentionally and for no legitimate purpose” forced his hand under the victim’s blouse and onto her body.
“Specifically, the victim’s left breast for the purposes of degrading and gratifying his sexual desires, all contrary to the provisions of the statute in such case made and provided,” the complaint detailed.
Cuomo resigned in August after a five-month investigation by the State Attorney General’s office found that he had sexually harassed 11 current and former state employees. Kathy Hochul left her post as Lieutenant Governor to replace him.
Since allegations first began to surface in December 2020 and throughout the investigation, Cuomo has vehemently maintained his innocence.
“Let me say now that when government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system and that doesn’t serve women and it doesn’t serve men or society,” he said during his farewell address in August. “I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment, but that is not right. It’s not fair or sustainable. Facts still matter.”
He later stated that Attorney General Leticia James’ 168-page report was “designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic and it worked.”
Read the full complaint here.
