ALBANY – An impeachment committee will look into Governor Andrew Cuomo’s behavior following accusations of sexual misconduct.
New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) announced the news in a statement Thursday evening.
The investigation, Heastie says, will be led by Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) looking into the several allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against Cuomo.
“I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation,” said Heastie in a statement. “The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution.”
He says the investigation will not interfere with the ongoing probe by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
At least 121 members of the state Assembly and Senate have said publicly they believe Cuomo should resign. The count includes 65 Democrats and 56 Republicans.
The firestorm around the Democrat grew a day after the Times Union of Albany reported that an unidentified aide had claimed Cuomo reached under her shirt and fondled her at his official residence late last year. Cuomo said he never touched anyone inappropriately.
A lawyer for the governor said Thursday that she reported the allegation to Albany police after the woman involved declined to do so herself.
“In this case the person is represented by counsel and when counsel confirmed the client did not want to make a report, the state notified the police department and gave them the attorney’s information,” said Beth Garvey, the governor’s acting counsel.
She said the state was obligated to do so under state law.
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