Sheriff confirms investigation into executive assistant’s allegation # 1 against Cuomo

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NEW YORK NOW – I’m the county sheriff. I’m not going to be intimidated, I’m not going to be coerced. It wouldn’t work well for anyone.

This is the position of Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple regarding his investigation of Governor Andrew Cuomo and his possible political consequences as an elected official.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple Credit: New York NOW

Apple confirmed to the press on Saturday that its office is investigating an allegation of sexual misconduct. The Executive Mansion, where the alleged gropings took place with Executive Assistant No.1, falls under the jurisdiction of the Albany County Sheriff.

There was little detail in the press conference, but he said the complainant met with his office on Thursday, following a call on Wednesday, so the investigation began.

I can tell you that lawyer Brian Premo and his client did come in. She filed an official report alleging criminal conduct against the governor. The conduct was sexual in nature. The meeting, at this point, begins the investigative process, Apple said.

That investigation began two days after New York Attorney General Letitia James released a 168-page report, detailing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct involving 11 women.

After Saturday’s press conference, AG James issued a statement confirming his cooperation.

“We will cooperate fully with the Sheriff of Albany and provide all evidence related to this plaintiff. Likewise, we will cooperate with all law enforcement agencies where appropriate, ”his office said.

Apple said if the allegations being investigated by its office are true, they could rise to the level of one or more misdemeanors.

A major factor in this particular allegation is that the victim is anonymous. Sheriff Apple says their anonymity is likely to disappear at some point depending on the court process, but for now, it’s most important to avoid re-victimizing the complainant.

I obviously want to protect all victims. They’ve been under a lot of stress, they’ve been through a tough time, Apple said.

I think every time their faces appear on TV, or their names are mentioned on TV or radio, it probably puts more stress on them.

One of the arguments made by the Cuomo administration is that much of the motive for the investigations into various actions was political in nature. Apple reassured the public on Saturday that this was not the case with its investigation.

I am also elected. I think we have a proven track record in this area, in this region, to help people, take care of people, Apple said.

I have a young woman who came in, who claims that she was victimized, and that she was going to do everything in our power to help her.

Apple said the investigation was in its early stages and had not given a timeline for the next development.

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