Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo was recently charged with groping a former aide in the Executive Mansion, a crime that could force him to register as a sex offender if convicted. The criminal complaint makes the allegation that Cuomo “intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose” forced his hand under the shirt of the victim and onto her intimate body part.
While the name of the victim had been redacted from the complaint, a lawyer representing former Cuomo aide Brittany Commisso said it’s her. The complaint against Cuomo for forcible touching carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
The former governor is expected to be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor in the alleged groping. Cuomo is expected to surrender sometime next week to be arrested and booked. If convicted, he would have to register as a sex offender and a judge would decide on the risk of him committing another sex crime. If he were considered a moderate or high risk to the community, then his photograph, name, address, and other information would be posted online.
The investigation had been opened against Cuomo by Albany County District Attorney David Soares on Aug. 3. This was shortly after state Attorney General Letitia James released her report that detailed Cuomo’s history of sexually harassing 11 women, including nine current or former state workers.
In a statement Thursday evening, Soares said, “Soares said in a statement that he was surprised to find the criminal complaints against Cuomo and that their office will not be commenting further on the case.
Commisso said that Cuomo needs to be held accountable because he broke the law. Others are also pushing for the arrest of Cuomo including AG James, who some belief will launch a campaign for governor against her primary challenge of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
James said that from the moment her office received the referral to investigate former Governor Cuomo they proceeded “without fear or favor.” She said that the criminal charges brought against Mr. Cuomo for forcible touching Commisso further validate the findings in the report.
Cuomo’s lawyer Rita Glavin has continued to attack Commisso’s credibility, adding that the documentary evidence does not support what she said. Other New York district attorneys have also said they’re investigating various allegations in James’ report.
A lawyer for two other women referenced in James’s report has said that Cuomo is being held to account as he should be, including by being forced to answer a criminal charge. Another lawyer, Mariann Wang, adds that she hopes all men who abuse their power by abusing women will see this and understand that there will be “real consequences” to their profoundly damaging behavior.
It’s clear that AG Letitia James will use Cuomo’s criminal charges to launch a challenge against Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is already making a bad name for New York with draconian vaccine mandates. What’s unclear is how accountable the city of New York will hold a corrupt Democrat after the political games are over.
