By Clara Thompson and Harold W. Reid, The Chicago Times
December 29, 2021
WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester District Attorney Miriam Rocah stated on Tuesday that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will not face criminal charges criminally following a “thorough” investigation into claims of inappropriate sexual behavior leveled against him by two women.
According to Rocah’s office, Westchester detectives focused on charges made by a state trooper who served on Cuomo’s protection detail, as well as another female who met Cuomo at an event during his term as governor. Both alleged victims claim Cuomo kissed them without permission.
“Our inquiry discovered compelling evidence that the alleged behavior in both cases indicated above did occur. However, in both cases, my office found that, while the claims and witnesses were believable, and the conduct was troubling, we could not seek criminal charges owing to the statutory requirements of New York’s criminal statutes.” Rocah said in a statement.
Multiple investigations of Cuomo’s activities are still ongoing as a result of claims discovered by investigators, including one by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and the U.S. Justice Department.
According to the New York Attorney General’s office, the first victim told investigators that while she, as a state trooper, was protecting the governor at his Westchester County residence, Cuomo allegedly asked her if he could kiss her.
The second victim told investigators that Cuomo allegedly grabbed her arm, pulled her toward him, and kissed her on the cheek without her permission at a White Plains High School function.
The announcement by Rocah comes after acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said last week that her office will not pursue criminal charges in connection with an alleged incident in 2019 at Long Island’s Belmont Racetrack.
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