US Justice Department Finds Former New York Governor Cuomo Sexually Harassed Employees, Reports Reuters

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department has concurred with the findings of the New York attorney general, concluding that former Governor Andrew Cuomo violated federal law by sexually harassing female employees and retaliating against those who spoke out.

As a result of these findings, the federal agency entered into a settlement with the New York Executive Chamber, which approved reforms initiated by Cuomo’s successor, Kathy Hochul, aimed at preventing and addressing misconduct, while also proposing additional measures.

Hochul’s reforms included the dismissal of employees who facilitated or assisted in retaliating against Cuomo’s accusers, the establishment of a human resources department, and the introduction of new methods for employees to report instances of sexual harassment.

The Justice Department’s settlement, announced on Friday, mandates the expansion of the human resources department, the creation of new reporting and resolution pathways for complaints involving senior officials, as well as the implementation of updated training and anti-retaliation programs.

In response to the announcement, Cuomo’s attorney, Rita Glavin, stated that the former governor "did not sexually harass anyone." She criticized the Justice Department’s investigation, labeling it as being overly reliant on the state attorney general’s report, which she described as "deeply flawed, inaccurate, biased, and misleading."

This announcement concludes an investigation that commenced in August 2021, after the New York attorney general found that Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, had engaged in illegal conduct by groping, kissing, or making suggestive remarks to 11 women, and that his administration had retaliated against the first accuser who went public.

Cuomo, who had been in office since 2011 as governor of New York, resigned shortly thereafter, facing pressure from President Joe Biden and other leaders.

In 2023, one of Cuomo’s aides filed a civil lawsuit against him, alleging she was "continuously subjected" to sexual harassment during her employment, which began in December 2019, including inappropriate comments and unwanted physical contact.

She had previously lodged a criminal complaint against Cuomo—the only one of its kind related to the allegations—but it was dismissed by a local prosecutor, who stated that they could not establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt.