Summons charges former Gov. Cuomo

ALBANY-The Albany County Sheriff's Office filed paperwork last week with the court system alleging a misdemeanor complaint against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The document was filed by Sheriff Investigator Amy Kowalski.
The document states, "I, accuse Andrew M. Cuomo, the defendant in this action and charge that on Dec. 7, 2020 between the hours of 3:51 o'clock in the afternoon and 4:07 o'clock in the afternoon while at 138 Eagle Street (The Governor's Executive Mansion) on the second floor, located in the City of Albany, County of Albany, State of New York, the defendant Andrew M. Cuomo did knowingly, and intentionally commit the class A misdemeanor of forcible touching in violation of section 130.52 subdivision 1- of the Penal Law of the State of New York."
It explains, "A person is guilty of forcible touching when such person intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose forcibly touches the sexual or other intimate parts of another person for the purpose of degrading or abusing such person, or for the purpose of gratifying the actor's sexual desire."
Cuomo's behavior while in office was detailed in a report by Attorney General Letitia James and issued in August. In the summary it concluded, "We, the investigators appointed to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, conclude that the governor engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment under federal and New York state law. Specifically, we find that the governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York state employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women."
Cuomo had questioned the neutrality of the AG investigators but ultimately resigned as governor while maintaining, "Of course, everyone has a right to come forward and we applaud their bravery and courage in doing so. But allegations must still be scrutinized and verified whether made by a woman or a man. That is our basic justice system. I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment but that is not right. It's not fair or sustainable. Facts still matter."
In a letter on Cuomo's website, his team referred to the complaint saying, "In the last 72 hours, Sheriff Apple and Tish James have epitomized the worst combination of politics, incompetence and abuse of the law." It went on to say, "Despite Apple's claim that there is 'overwhelming evidence', he has offered zero evidence corroborating the claim. Likewise the James report did not offer any corroborating evidence of the claim."
The Albany Times Union reports no decision has been made yet if the charges will be formally filed.