New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (right).
REUTERS/Mike Segar
- Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo will not be prosecuted over an alleged groping incident.
- Albany County DA David Soares said the accuser is “credible,” but the burden of proof has not been met.
- The Soares announcement comes on the heels of the new Manhattan DA also forgoing prosecution.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will avoid prosecution over one of the most serious accusations that forced him out of office.
In a statement late Tuesday morning, Albany County District Attorney David Soares confirmed that his office will not pursue any legal action against Cuomo.
“While many have an opinion regarding the allegations against the former governor, the Albany County D.A.’s Office is the only one who has a burden to prove the elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt,” the district attorney said in a statement. “While we found the complainant in this case cooperative and credible, after review of all the available evidence we have concluded that we cannot meet our burden at trial.”
Soares made the announcement roughly 15 hours after the Albany Times-Union reported his office was expected to drop the case.
The Albany County DA is the third district attorney to close an inquiry into the Cuomo sexual harassment scandal, according to The New York Times.
This story will be updated.
