Albany sheriff says NY Governor Cuomo could face misdemeanor in groping case

ALBANY, New York — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo could face misdemeanor charges if investigators substantiate a criminal complaint accusing the governor of groping an aide last year, the Albany County sheriff says.

Sheriff Craig Apple promises a “very comprehensive” investigation in partnership the Albany County district attorney’s office, but says it would be premature to commit to a timeline or say whether Cuomo himself will be questioned.

“We have a lot of factfinding to do. We have a lot of interviews to do,” Apple tells reporters. “I’m not going to rush it because of who he is. And I’m not going to delay it because of who he is.”

The complaint, filed this week, is the first known instance where a woman has made an official report with a law enforcement agency over alleged misconduct by the Democratic governor.

The aide says Cuomo reached under her shirt and fondled her when they were alone in a room at the Executive Mansion last year. The woman also told investigators with the attorney general’s office that Cuomo once rubbed her rear end while they were posing together for a photo.

Cuomo’s lawyer, Rita Glavin, has said the allegation was fabricated.

“He is 63 years old. He has spent 40 years in public life and for him to all of the sudden be accused of a sexual assault of an executive assistant that he really doesn’t know, doesn’t pass muster,” Glavin said.