A former federal prosecutor and an employment discrimination attorney will lead the investigation into Gov. Andrew Cuomo and allegations he sexually harassed multiple women, Attorney General Letitia James on Monday announced.
James is turning to Joon Kim, a former top prosecutor in the Southern District of New York as well as Anne Clark, a prominent employment discrimination lawyer, to lead the investigation.
Kim would be familiar with Albany: He served as a top deputy to former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, whose office led aggressive investigations of top officials in Albany, including the governor's former close aide, Joe Percoco.
“We are committed to an independent and thorough investigation of the facts,” James said. “Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark are independent, legal experts who have decades of experience conducting investigations and fighting to uphold the rule of law. There is no question that they both have the knowledge and background necessary to lead this investigation and provide New Yorkers with the answers they deserve.”
The investigation was granted a referral by Cuomo's office, empowering the attorneys with subpoena power in the process. Cuomo's office, through administration counsel Beth Garvey, has pledged to cooperate with the investigation.
Cuomo is facing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by five women.
Lindsey Boylan, a former economic development official in his office, alleges Cuomo gave her an unwanted kiss in his office. Charlotte Bennett alleges Cuomo asked her questions about her sex life, including whether she slept with older men, leading her to believe he was attempting to "groom" her for a relationship.
Anna Ruch told The New York Times that she was unsettled after an encounter with Cuomo at a wedding in 2019 in which he held her head in his hands and asked to kiss her.
Ana Liss, a former aide in his office, told The Wall Street Journal Cuomo would allegedly ask her about who she is dating and kissed her on her hand.
Karen Hinton, a former aide to the governor while he was the housing secretary, told The Washington Post Cuomo once allegedly held her in a long embrace that made her feel uncomfortable.
Cuomo has apologized to anyone he has made uncomfortable, acknowledging he sometimes attempts to make jokes in the workplace. But Cuomo has also said he has never touch anyone inappropriately.
Cuomo initially announced a former federal judge with ties to a longtime advisor would serve as an investigator and later wanted the top judge of the state Court of Appeals to select the lead investigator along with James. Both proposals were rejected by lawmakers and James herself.