NY AG Appoints ‘Independent Legal Experts’ To Investigate Gov. Cuomo, Says Inquiry Likely to Take Take Two Months

The wheels of justice are finally turning in New York, as Attorney General Letitia James (D) has appointed a veteran prosecutor and an employment lawyer to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo (D).

James’ office said that Joon Kim, who was the acting U.S. Attorney in Manhattan for parts of 2017 and 2018, will join the employment lawyer Anne Clark in conducting the probe.

The pair were described as “independent, legal experts who have decades of experience conducting investigations and fighting to uphold the rule of law” by James, who added that the inquiry is likely to take two months.

James believes, “There is no question they have the knowledge and background necessary to lead this investigation and provide New Yorkers with the answers they deserve.”

My office has appointed former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon H. Kim and employment discrimination attorney Anne L. Clark to lead our investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo.

— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) March 8, 2021

One Twitter user pointed out a “reminder” that “Cuomo tried to bypass the New York AG office by setting up his own investigation and put a friendly former judge in charge. Doesn’t exactly spell innocence.”

Reminder: Andrew Cuomo tried to bypass the New York AG office by setting up his own investigation and put a friendly former judge in charge.

Doesn't exactly spell innocence.

— Office Of NJ Governor Elect 🙂 Alex Allis (@My3Alexandra) March 8, 2021

The investigation will reportedly include his administration’s handling of such matters, as well as claims made by the women against Cuomo.

At the end of last month, James said in a statement that her office is now expecting to receive “a referral with subpoena power” to investigate the allegations against Cuomo.

A lawyer for one of Cuomo’s accusers, Debra Katz, welcomed the news saying that she beleves this means James is “taking this matter very seriously.”

Katz said, “We are encouraged by the experience and background of the attorneys who will be investigating Charlotte’s claims and expect the investigation will extend to the claims of the other women who we know to be out there.”

“It is important that this investigation isn’t just centered around what Governor Cuomo said and did. It must also focus on the culture of secrecy, abuse and fear that he fostered among his staff—frequently in violation of the very laws he signed to protect workers from sexual harassment. We look forward to cooperating with the investigators,” Katz explained.