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The New York State Assembly officially started an impeachment investigation against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo after a sixth woman came forward to accuse the governor of sexual impropriety–this time accusing him of allegedly groping her.
According to the Albany Times-Union, the new anonymous accuser is a current aide in the governor’s office who said Cuomo fondled her at his private residence in the governor’s mansion after summoning her one day to help him fix a cellphone.
The aide says Cuomo reached under her blouse and “began to fondle her.” Cuomo is also denying this latest allegation telling the Times-Union “I have never done anything like this.” In light of the latest accusation, Democrats in Albany have announced the opening of an impeachment investigation.
New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie issued the following statement:
“After meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference today, I am authorizing the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation, led by Chair Charles D. Lavine, to examine allegations of misconduct against Governor Cuomo.
“The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious.
“The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation.
“This inquiry will not interfere with the independent investigation being conducted by Attorney General James.”
Even before this latest accusation, there have been increasing calls for Cuomo to resign. Some, including New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer have called for the impeachment of Cuomo if he refused to resign amid the growing sex scandal.
Five other women, four who worked for Cuomo: Lindsey Boylan, Charlotte Bennett, Ana Liss, Karen Hinton and one woman, Anna Ruch, who meet Cuomo at a wedding have all accused Governor Cuomo of some form of sexual harassment.
