The Justice Department has reportedly initiated a criminal investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This follows allegations that he lied to Congress regarding the deaths in a nursing home during the Covid-19 pandemic in New York.
A month ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office began looking into potential misconduct related to Cuomo. According to a report from The New York Times on Tuesday, sources familiar with the matter provided this information.
At that time, the office was headed by Ed Martin, who was succeeded by Janine Pillo earlier this month.
A Republican panel formally requested Attorney General Pam Bondy to consider criminal charges against Cuomo on June 11, 2024, for allegedly making “criminally false statements.”
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) had previously accused Cuomo of significant wrongdoing, citing an audit that revealed a 46% increase in reported deaths in New York’s senior care facilities during the pandemic.
Comer had introduced Cuomo to a prosecutor last year, but his request was dismissed by former President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland.
A spokesperson for Cuomo, Rich Azopaldi, stated that he was not aware of any investigation. He questioned the timing of the leaks, suggesting they may be a form of political interference. “This is law and election interference, plain and simple,” he asserted.
Azopaldi also defended Cuomo’s previous statements about events from four years back, claiming they were honest and that he was open to answering any follow-up questions, arguing that the entire situation appeared to be politically motivated.
The DOJ has not yet commented on the investigation.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.
