NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Amid a probe by Attorney General Letitia James, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted unanimously Tuesday to launch its own internal investigation after it drew criticism for its approval of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo $5.1 million COVID-19 book deal.
Jose Nieves, JCOPE's latest executive director, who was formally appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, confirmed the launch of the independent probe.
"In executive session, the commission voted to approve the retention of [an] independent counsel to conduct an inquiry into the legal and procedural operations of the commission," Nieves said of the closed-door meeting.
The JCOPE came under fire after the board reportedly allowed Cuomo to receive outside income in a deal for his memoir, "American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic" in a staff vote, rather than a full panel vote. The board also allowed Cuomo to keep his book's profits.
James subpoenaed at least one member of the agency for its records in September as her office reviews his book deal.
Nieves said future action would be decided at a later date.
The New York Post reports David McNamara, a Republican appointee on the 14-member agency board, issued a proposed resolution on the former governor's book contract before the private session began.
"I think the public deserves a brief statement regarding what the item of business is, to consider and vote upon a proposed resolution that would, if approved, result in the engagement of outside counsel to conduct an inquiry into the facts, circumstances, policies and practices [in regards] to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's request for authorization to engage [into a contract] for personal profit the book," he said.
If the investigation determines the JCOPE acted inappropriately, the Post notes it could elicit the agency to decide to rescind his book deal and recoup his profits.
