Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been charged with a misdemeanor sex crime.
A criminal complaint, filed in Albany City Court, says the alleged incident happened on Dec. 7, 2020, at the Governor's Executive Mansion.
"Andrew M. Cuomo did intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, forcibly place his hand under the blouse shirt of the victim [redacted] and into her intimate body part," officer Amy Kowalski writes in the report. "Specifically, the victims (sic) left breast for the purposes of degrading and gratifying his sexual desires, all contrary to the provisions of the statute in such case made and provided."
Cuomo resigned in August in the face of numerous sexual harassment allegations.
A report from the New York Attorney General's Office says that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and violated multiple state and federal laws.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the charge validates her office's investigation.
“From the moment my office received the referral to investigate allegations that former Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, we proceeded without fear or favor. The criminal charges brought today against Mr. Cuomo for forcible touching further validate the findings in our report," she said in a statement.
Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing.
"The fact that the AG — as predicted — is about to announce a run for governor is lost on no one," Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said.
“Governor Cuomo has never assaulted anyone," Cuomo's attorney, Rita Glavin added.
She went on to accuse the Albany County sheriff of acting improperly.
"This is not professional law enforcement; this is politics," she said.
The Albany City Court issued a criminal summons for Cuomo. He is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 17.
