NY probe on potential Cuomo impeachment could take months, state lawmaker says

A New York State Assembly probe into whether or not embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo needs to be impeached for alleged sexual harassment and misconduct will probably take “months” to finish, in keeping with a outstanding assemblyman.

The Assembly’s Judiciary Committee held a preliminary digital listening to Tuesday with attorneys from Davis Polk and Wardwell, the legislation agency employed to conduct the physique’s investigation into the allegations. Eight ladies, together with present and former aides, have accused Cuomo of sexual harassment and different undesirable conduct.

“Given the breadth and seriousness of the issues under investigation, we expect that the timing will be in terms of months, rather than weeks,” Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Lavine, a Democrat, mentioned throughout the listening to.

Lindsey Boylan, the primary lady to accuse Cuomo of misconduct, has described the state impeachment probe as a “sham” and mentioned she won’t cooperate with the investigation. Some lawmakers have argued the probe is obstructing well timed motion.

Several outstanding New York Democrats, together with Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, have known as on Cuomo to step down in response to the allegations. Cuomo has denied wrongdoing and insisted he won’t resign.

Critics have questioned the meeting’s choice to nominate Davis Polk and Wardwell attributable to a potential battle of curiosity. Dennis Glazer, a former companion on the legislation agency, is the husband of State Supreme Court Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, a Cuomo appointee. If Cuomo had been to be impeached, DiFiore would solid a vote on whether or not to convict.

Davis Polk attorneys and Lavine mentioned they examined the scenario and decided there was no battle of curiosity. Lavine mentioned he served Cuomo’s workplace with a “non-retaliation” discover to guard potential witnesses.

Charlotte Bennett, one other former aide who alleged that Cuomo requested her if she ever slept with older males, raised questions in regards to the probe in an announcement via her lawyer.

“While Ms. Bennett is committed to cooperating with all appropriate governmental inquiries, including the impeachment investigation, questions remain about the independence of this inquiry,” Bennett’s lawyer Debra Katz mentioned in an announcement. “If there is even a hint of political influence in the impeachment investigation, it will taint the entire proceedings.”

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Aside from the state meeting’s probe, New York State Attorney General Letitia James can be investigating the allegations in opposition to Cuomo. In a separate case, federal authorities are mentioned to be probing the Cuomo administration’s alleged misreporting of information associated to COVID-19 deaths at nursing properties.

Cuomo has served as governor of New York since 2011. He could be simply the second governor to be impeached in state historical past if the meeting opts to maneuver ahead with proceedings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.