House Republicans refer former New York governor for prosecution despite his faulty memory defense.
Former New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo faced scrutiny from congressional investigators regarding his involvement in a report that downplayed the number of Covid-related deaths in state nursing homes. During closed-door testimony, Cuomo claimed he did not recall reviewing the report, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. A Republican House chairman has accused Cuomo of intentionally evading accountability and has called for the Justice Department to prosecute him for lying to Congress. The timing of this criminal referral could negatively impact Cuomo’s potential run for mayor of New York City, as it resurfaces past scandals.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, legal experts believe that Cuomo is unlikely to face prosecution. The Justice Department is not obligated to pursue the case referred by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. From a legal perspective, such referrals are more symbolic than binding.
Source: The NY Times
