NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The attorney for former-Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called on state Attorney General Letitia James, the same person who helped end his time in the governor's mansion, to investigate to “unlawful” disclosure of grand jury information by an Upstate sheriff.
Attorney Rita Glavin told James an investigation must be “immediately commenced” following the alleged disclosure to the New York Post of the grand jury info, and “strong” evidence that Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple was the source.
The investigation led to Cuomo being charged with forcible touching last month.
Cuomo’s attorney is calling on the very same AG’s office who pushed the former governor to resign from office following its report on sexual misconduct allegations against him. Glavin references this in asking for an independent prosecutor in the case, citing, “Your reliance on your August 3, 2021 Report of Investigation Into Allegations of Sexual Harassment by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo … in support of your campaign for governor.”
Glavin asked that the AG’s office refer to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s to appoint a “truly independent” prosecutor for the investigation.
In the letter to James, Glavin referenced an Aug. 7 press conference held by Apple “for no legitimate purpose,” where the sheriff announced Brittany Commisso’s filed complain against Cuomo with the sheriff.
Glavin alleges Apple had “already made up his mind” about the case, and that his comments” essentially pronounced the guilt” of Cuomo.
Related
“I had a female victim come forward, which had to be the hardest thing she’s ever done in her life, and make an allegation of criminal conduct against the governor,” Apple said, among a handful of quotes Glavin pointed to. They also referenced him saying, “At this point I’m very comfortable...saying [she] is in fact a victim.”
Brittany Commisso alleged Cuomo groped her in 2019, and spoke about her experience on CBS after previously being anonymous.
The letter then jumps to Aug. 30, when the Post published a story where they reported that according to Apple, Commisso was interviewed for several hours, and that law enforcement had issued “several subpoenas.”
Related
Glavin said, “Given the procedural posture of the investigation, the only kind of subpoenas that could have been issued at that stage were grand jury subpoenas, which must be kept secret by law.”
Then on Sept. 1, the Post published an exclusive about the subpoenas being issued in connection with the DA’s investigation, citing a source.
Cuomo’s attorney claims that Apple was likely that source, pointing to his “willingness … to speak to the press about the investigation” and that Apple has already spoken to the same reporter in the Aug. 30 article.
Glavin also looks to Apple saying on Oct. 29 that he had spoken to Post reporter Bernadette Hogan often, saying, “I’d get calls from media on a daily basis. Every Monday I’d get a text from Bernadette, you know, ‘where are we?’”
Finally, the letter cites a 2011 recording with investigators, where Apple said officers know there are black areas, white areas, “and a big pool of gray.”
Glavin said in that recording, Apple said, “I’ve been living in the gray for 22 (expletive) years. I know exactly how to manipulate the law and I’ve gotten pretty good at doing it. Is it right, wrong or indifferent? I don’t (expletive) care.”
Related
Glavin asked James to appoint an independent prosecutor for this investigation, given her relationship with Apple.
Cuomo’s attorney cited Apple’s public appearances with James as recently as last month, where he proclaimed “She’s awesome” and also referenced James’ gubernatorial announcement, which came the day after Albany County filed charges against Cuomo.
Apple and James’ office did not immediately return a request for comment.
Apple has defended his department's "comprehensive" investigation that led to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's forcible touching misdemeanor charge.
Related
