WHITE PLAINS – Westchester District Attorney Miriam Rocah is declining to prosecute former Governor Andrew Cuomo on sex charges, despite having credible victims. The announcement from Rocah that she was not pursuing charges against Cuomo was released on Tuesday
The DA said her office “conducted a thorough investigation into allegations reported by two women against Cuomo, specifically, the alleged conduct, of which we are aware, that occurred in Westchester County.”
The two complaints were investigated by the Westchester DA. Rocha’s office says “A woman, identified as Trooper 1” in the Attorney General’s Report, alleged that when Cuomo was the Governor and Trooper 1 was a member of his detail and on duty at his home in Mount Kisco, she asked the Governor if he needed anything and he responded by asking her if he could kiss her. She further indicated that she was concerned about the ramifications of denying the Governor’s request and so she said “sure.” The Governor then kissed her on the cheek and, as indicated in the Attorney General’s report, “said something to the effect of, ‘oh, I’m not supposed to do that’ or ‘unless that’s against the rules.’”
A second woman told Westchester investigators that Cuomo grabbed her arm, pulled her toward him, and kissed her on the cheek without seeking permission for such a greeting while the two were at an event at White Plains High School.
Rocah said, “Our investigation found credible evidence to conclude that the alleged conduct in both instances described above did occur.” While supporting the alleged victims, Rocah said, “However, in both instances, my Office has determined that, although the allegations and witnesses were credible, and the conduct concerning, we cannot pursue criminal charges due to the statutory requirements of the criminal laws of New York.”
