Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo won’t face criminal charges from allegations from two women — including a state trooper — that he planted unwanted kisses on their cheeks. It’s the latest in a series of decisions about which sexual assault and harassment claims against Cuomo may end up in criminal court.
Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah said that while there was evidence to conclude the conduct the women described did occur, she couldn’t bring criminal cases over it, the Associated Press reports.. “In both instances, my office has determined that, although the allegations and witnesses were credible, and the conduct concerning, we cannot pursue criminal charges due to the statutory requirements of the criminal laws of New York,” Rocah said. Cuomo has denied sexually harassing anyone or touching anyone inappropriately and has said he doesn’t recall touching the trooper.
Several prosecutors around the state started investigations after state Attorney General Letitia James described accusations from 11 women against Cuomo. The August report led to his resignation from office, although he has attacked the findings as biased and inaccurate. In October, the Albany County sheriff’s office filed a misdemeanor groping complaint against Cuomo. The district attorney asked a judge for more time to evaluate the evidence. The district attorney said the sheriff’s complaint, based on allegations from a woman who said Cuomo slid his hand up her blouse and grabbed her breast at the governor’s mansion in 2020, was “potentially defective.” A court delayed Cuomo’s scheduled arraignment until Jan. 7.
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