Cuomo demands $8.6M payback from sexual harassment accuser Trooper 1, calls her lawsuit ‘wholly unreliable’

Andrew Cuomo, former governor and current New York City mayoral candidate, has responded to a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a state trooper, claiming her accusations were part of a conspiracy within the state police force to attack him during his time in office. Cuomo has demanded that the trooper repay the $8.6 million in taxpayer-funded legal fees used for his defense. The trooper’s allegations were dismissed as false and part of a plan to discredit Cuomo for reasons unrelated to harassment or retaliation.

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amidst scandal, has not paid any of his own legal fees, which have surpassed $61 million. He is seeking reimbursement for interest, attorney fees, and other costs. The lawsuit filed by the trooper accuses Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, including touching her and kissing her while on duty. The trooper’s attorney has criticized Cuomo’s request for repayment and cited multiple independent investigations that found evidence of sexual harassment by Cuomo.

Cuomo’s legal team blames the delay in responding to the lawsuit on the accuser and argues for an expanded discovery process that could involve numerous depositions. Despite his denial of the allegations, Cuomo faces ongoing legal challenges and scrutiny as he vies for a new political role. The state’s attorney general’s office has supported the investigation into Cuomo’s behavior, emphasizing his accountability for his actions. Taxpayers have funded millions of dollars in legal fees related to Cuomo’s scandals, which include allegations of sexual misconduct, impeachment proceedings, his pandemic response, and a controversial book deal.