Ex-New York governor Cuomo charged with misdemeanour over alleged sex offence

Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo has been charged with a misdemeanour relating to an alleged sex offence.

Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for the New York state courts, said a misdemeanour complaint has been filed against Cuomo in the state capital Albany.

“As this is a sex crime, a redacted complaint will be available shortly,” he added in an emailed statement.

Cuomo’s spokespeople were not immediately reachable for comment, but the former New York governor has denied any wrongdoing.

The 63-year-old resigned as governor in August after 10-and-a-half years in office.

Cuomo’s departure came after an inquiry found he groped, kissed, or made suggestive comments to 11 women in violation of the law, prompting prosecutors to launch a criminal investigation.

US President Joe Biden was among those who called on him to quit in the wake of the report’s publication.

In a televised address, Cuomo denied wrongdoing – but said he accepted “full responsibility” for offending women through what he said had been attempts at being affectionate or humorous.

He said fighting the claims while remaining in office would paralyse state government.

If he hadn’t resigned, he would have likely faced impeachment in the state’s legislature.

Cuomo has experienced a spectacular fall from grace having previously received widespread national praise for how he led New York through the coronavirus pandemic.