A survivor of sexual assault at the state Capitol has shared painful details of her experience involving a former aide to then-House Speaker Sheldon Silver, as part of a lawsuit concerning the Legislative handling of sex offenses.
Ricky Shaw was the legislative director of the Assembly Labor Committee several years ago when he accused Michael Boxley, an aide to Silver, of sexual assault.
Despite Boxley pleading guilty in December 2003 to a misdemeanor charge of sexual misconduct, Shaw remained anonymous for some time. Boxley ended up with a six-year probation sentence, a $1,000 fine, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Shaw came forward as Boxley’s victim last October and later filed an affidavit in a civil lawsuit initiated by former Congressional staffer Elizabeth Crothers. Crothers had accused Boxley of raping her before an event.
An internal Congressional investigation had cleared Boxley in Crothers’ case before Shaw’s assault occurred.
“I was raped by Michael Boxley in my apartment,” Shaw stated in an affidavit obtained by the newspaper.
She expressed fear about reporting the incident to the police after witnessing Crothers being vilified by council officials. No charges were brought in Crothers’ case.
“I saw what happened to Elizabeth Crothers… I didn’t want that to happen to me too,” Shaw recounted.
Shaw criticized the state Legislature for fostering an environment that enables the abuse of young women by those in power.
According to Shaw, legislative staffers were often pressured to attend late-night gatherings at bars and restaurants to engage with politicians and lobbyists.
“These outings were not optional,” she noted.
Boxley, in his influential role, invited Shaw and her boss, Rep. Susan John, to dinners with lobbyists, calling her a “rising star” and pledging to mentor her.
“New York State is still grappling with these issues because, when sexual assaults surface, there is little real accountability for those involved,” Shaw, 45, remarked.
Reflecting on her past, Shaw recalled how, a decade ago, she declined to testify during the Task Force’s sexual harassment hearings, preferring to focus on her personal life. Yet, following Crothers filing a civil suit against Congress and New York State under the Adult Survivors Act in 2023, Shaw decided to come forward.
Crothers accused the state of creating a hostile work environment marked by sexual harassment and negligence.
The Adult Survivors Act allows victims a one-year window to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, and this case is still active.
The State Attorney General’s office, led by Letitia James, is currently fighting the lawsuit on behalf of government agencies.
“More than two decades after my assault, Albany still protects those with political connections instead of holding them accountable,” Shaw stated.
“Remaining silent will only lead to more coercive situations. It’s all about power and control.”
Recalling a dinner with Boxley and her boss, who chaired the labor committee at that time, Shaw described feeling as if she were being drugged during the assault on June 10, 2003.
Last October, she publicly identified herself as a victim in an interview.
Boxley filed an affidavit in the Crothers case, citing the Fifth Amendment numerous times against self-incrimination.
“I deny any wrongdoing regarding Ms. Crothers. However, on legal advice, I respectfully invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege and will not answer questions,” Boxley stated when questioned by Crothers’ attorney.
At one point, Crothers’ attorney asked, “Did you leave in response to Ricky Shaw’s claim that you raped her in her apartment?”
Boxley replied, “For the record, I admitted to the misdemeanor. I did not admit to rape,” clarifying further his departure before pleading guilty.
Sheldon Silver, who later faced prison for a kickback scandal and passed away in 2022, faced backlash for stating he believed Boxley would be exonerated before an inquiry could take place.
Boxley resigned from Parliament in late 2003, prior to his conviction related to Shaw’s assault.
Boxley is currently listed as a private attorney and consultant on LinkedIn, having previously worked at a significant lobbying firm in Albany.
There has been no comment from Boxley in response to the article.
