The head of the committee tasked with handling the potential impeachment of Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday called the allegations against the gov “deeply disturbing” ahead of a private meeting on the matter.
“We convene here today to convene an executive session to talk about the ongoing impeachment investigation of Gov. Cuomo,” Assemblyman Charles Lavine, chair of the Judiciary Committee, told reporters in Albany.
“I commend the attorney general on her work and her agreement to provide relevant material to this committee,” he added. “The findings and contents of the report are deeply disturbing.”
Lavine said the committee is also probing the governor’s alleged misuse of state resources to write his book, his handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes, and allegations of preferentially dedicating the Empire State’s coronavirus testing resources to family members and close friends, including before they were widely available.
“We will allow the governor to provide further information should he choose to do so,” he said Monday morning. “The governor and his lawyers say he wants to be treated fairly, he will be.”
Lavine, a Democrat who represents parts of Long Island’s Nassau County, pledged to “protect” the witnesses and victims of Cuomo’s alleged sexual harassment and assault
“Our investigation remains confidential, as it should be,” the lawmaker said. “In a court of American law, no one is above the law. Those words are true today as it was when I heard them a long time ago.
“We will protect the alleged victims and witnesses here.”
His remarks came before the Judiciary Committee went into executive session, as part of the impeachment process.
Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation, released Tuesday, documented sexual assault and harassment allegations made by 11 women — including nine current or former state staffers — against the third-term Democratic governor. Cuomo has denied wrongdoing amid mounting calls for his resignation and the looming possibility of impeachment.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the findings of the report made it “abundantly clear” to him and his colleagues that Cuomo “can no longer remain in office.”
About two-thirds of state Assembly members have already said they favor an impeachment trial if Cuomo continues to refuse to resign despite the blistering report accusing him of sexually harassing 11 women.
The Assembly committee’s meeting comes on the heels of his former aide going public with her groping accusations on national TV.
Also Monday, Cuomo was hit with a damning TV interview.
“CBS This Morning” aired in full the first TV interview with Brittany Commisso, an executive assistant who accused Cuomo of groping her breast and behind and kissing her on the lips.
“The governor needs to be held accountable,” Commisso — identified only as “Executive Assistant #1” in James’ report — told the network.
“What he did to me was a crime. He broke the law.”
Commisso last week became the first woman to file a criminal complaint against Cuomo.
At least five district attorneys have confirmed they are investigating incidents. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said Saturday that Cuomo could face misdemeanor charges if investigators substantiate Commisso’s complaint.
Cuomo has repeatedly denied all the women’s claims, insisting he is just a loving, touchy-feely leader whose actions and comments were misunderstood by women staffers. His lawyers have also insisted that the governor was “ambushed” by James’ investigation, saying it was rigged against him.
Leaders of his own party, including President Biden, have called on Cuomo to resign.
Meanwhile, the governor’s leading — and most ferocious — aide, Melissa DeRosa, resigned late Sunday after what she called an “emotionally and mentally trying” two years.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is reportedly preparing to replace Cuomo as governor within weeks.