Tough case or ‘cowardice’? Drop of Cuomo case splits experts
By JENNIFER PELTZ and MICHAEL HILL
Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Some legal experts say a prosecutor’s decision to drop a groping charge against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo illustrates the difficulties of pursuing sex crime cases. But to others, Albany County District Attorney David Soares’ move is confounding, since he called the accuser credible. A message was sent Wednesday to Soares’ office about his decision-making. Soares asked a court Tuesday to dismiss the misdemeanor forcible touching case. It began when the county sheriff filed a criminal complaint this fall accusing the Democratic ex-governor of fondling an aide. Cuomo denies it. Soares said prosecutors concluded they couldn’t meet their burden of proof at trial.
