New York Governor Andrew Cuomo looks on as he delivers remarks on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Riverside Church in New York, November 15, 2020.
Andrew Kelly | Reuters
The committee responsible for determining whether to impeach New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo expects to be finished reviewing evidence within weeks, the committee chair said Monday.
“Beginning next week, committee members will be granted access in a secure location to the full evidence gathered” in two parallel probes, said Charles Lavine (D), chairman of the state Assembly Judiciary Committee.
The information will only be available for viewing in a designated room, said Lavine, “given the sensitivity, the absolute sensitivity of this information, and in order to preserve confidentiality of the committee’s investigation and to protect the interest and the safety of those individuals” who participated.
The committee launched its impeachment investigation in March, following initial accusations of sexual harassment made against Cuomo.
The probe was conducted parallel to an investigation overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James.
Last Tuesday, James said her office’s inquiry found that Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women, and retaliated against one of them: a former employee who had complained publicly about his conduct.
The report sparked demands for Cuomo’s resignation from across the state and national Democratic political firmament, up to and including President Joe Biden.
Cuomo so far has shown no signs that he plans to step down.
Lavine took care Monday to lay out each step of an impeachment trial, describing what would doubtless be a difficult and potentially humiliating experience for Cuomo.
The committee chairman also made it clear that if Cuomo chooses resigns before an impeachment trial begins, he will be spared the ordeal.
If the governor resigns, an “impeachment itself would be moot,” said Lavine.
Judiciary Committee staff members were also charged with investigating other allegations of wrongdoing by Cuomo.
These include whether his staff tried to hide or alter data on coronavirus deaths in New York nursing homes, whether he used his position to secure Covid vaccines for close friends and family, and whether he misused state resources to promote a book he wrote about leadership in 2020.
Cuomo and his staff have denied these allegations.
Last week, lawyers for the governor released a formal response to James’ report, refuting certain elements of it. They argued that the claims by women that Cuomo inappropriately grabbed them and touched them were merely innocent efforts to be friendly, and something all politicians do.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
