New York’s legal professional basic on Monday named two independent lawyers to steer the investigation into a number of sexual harassment allegations made in opposition to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), saying the pair would assist “provide New Yorkers with the answers they deserve.”
Attorney General Letitia James tapped Joon Kim, a former U.S. legal professional for the Southern District of New York, and Anne Clark, an employment discrimination lawyer, amid rising allegations that Cuomo acted inappropriately. As of Sunday, 5 ladies had come ahead with such claims.
“We are committed to an independent and thorough investigation of the facts,” James stated in a press release. “Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark are independent, legal experts who have decades of experience conducting investigations and fighting to uphold the rule of law.”
She added: (*2*)
After a tussle between James and Cuomo — who sought to exert affect over who would examine him earlier than widespread outrage compelled him to backtrack — the attorneys shall be armed with subpoena power, which can enable them to request paperwork and name witnesses to testify below oath.
The attorneys’ appointment is efficient instantly. The New York Times studies that they are going to be required to transient James weekly and publish a public report as soon as the investigation is full, which might take months.
Cuomo has issued a public apology for his previous habits, together with performing in a means that “made people feel uncomfortable,” however up to now has resisted calls that he step down.
“I’m not going to resign because of allegations,” he advised reporters on Sunday. “The premise of resigning because of allegations is actually anti-democratic.”
But state politicians have grown extra annoyed in latest days as extra accusations come up. On Sunday, the highest Democrat within the New York state Senate, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, stated the state wanted to “govern without daily distraction” and stated she believed Cuomo ought to step apart “for the good of the state.” New York Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, additionally a Democrat, echoed these considerations later that day.
Cuomo can also be going through a separate political maelstrom over his dealing with of nursing residence fatality knowledge throughout the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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