News / Politics

Gov. Cuomo aides subpoenaed in sexual-harassment probe: Report

Sunday, 28 March 2021 8:22 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 28 March 2021 8:22 AM ]

In this file photo New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks at a vaccination site at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on March 8, 2021 in New York City. (AFP photo)

The New York state attorney general’s office has subpoenaed dozens of officials and aides working in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office in the sexual harassment investigation against him, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor, is among those required to produce documentation as well as submit themselves for interviews, according to the Journal.

DeRosa has worked for Cuomo since 2013 and now serves as his secretary. She has been at the center of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic too.

The report says that the governor’s accusers have been asked by investigators about their interactions with DeRosa.

DeRosa, who is said to be intensely loyal to the governor, is alleged to have berated journalists, officials, and lawmakers who have crossed Cuomo in the past.

Former Cuomo aide Ann Liss, who accused the governor of misconduct, says investigators are trying to determine if she was targeted by DeRosa.

It remains unclear which other members of the administration have been subpoenaed.

"No one should be surprised that the AG’s office is issuing requests for documents and interviewing witnesses, including many who work for the governor," Paul Fishman, a lawyer representing Cuomo’s administration, told the WSJ.

"That happens in every investigation, and it’s wildly premature to speculate what it means. Good, thorough, and fair investigations take time."

Cuomo, a Democrat, faces at least seven allegations of inappropriate behavior, but so far has refused to step down despite resignation calls from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Democratic President Joe Biden has also said the governor should resign if the allegations of sexual misconduct are confirmed by the investigation.

Biden says Cuomo should resign if sexual misconduct allegations are...

On Saturday, dozens of women gathered outside Cuomo’s Manhattan office demanding his resignation or impeachment.

The embattled governor has also faced scrutiny over his handling of coronavirus cases in the state's nursing homes, and recently over allegations that he ordered special COVID-19 testing for his family and members of his administration.

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