At a brief hearing on Friday, the judge dismissed a complaint of sexual harassment. The public prosecutor had previously announced that they would not pursue the charges. Cuomo had resigned because of the allegations.
Judge Holly Trexler during the short hearing that took place virtually because of the corona pandemic. Albany, New York, January 7, 2022
(dpa) A New York court has not opened a potential sexual harassment trial against former state governor Andrew Cuomo. The prosecution made it clear at the brief hearing on Friday, according to matching media reports, that the case did not meet the requirements for a criminal trial.
Judge Holly Trexler rejected the complaint that a sheriff had presented to the court in October, apparently without consulting the public prosecutor.
Inappropriate touch
It is about allegations that the 64-year-old Cuomo is said to have inappropriately touched an employee in his office during his time as governor. Cuomo resigned in August after similar allegations by several women. Before that he was governor of New York for ten years. A possible criminal trial was seen as the greatest legal threat to him.
Last year, an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James found that Cuomo had sexually molested several state officials. Among other things, there were unwanted touches, kisses, hugs and inappropriate comments. In addition, the governor had created a “hostile working atmosphere” and a “climate of fear” for women, according to the investigation report.