New York’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics just ruled that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo must return the profits from his $5.1 million book deal:
The NY State Public Ethics Commission had ordered former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to return the $5.1M profit from his book about the pandemic to the state. @wcbs880
— Steve Scott (@SteveScottNEWS) December 14, 2021
Cuomo must turn the money over to Attorney General Letitia James’ office within 30 days:
NEW: JCOPE passes a resolution requiring former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to turn his book proceeds over to the Attorney General's Office within 30 days.
— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) December 14, 2021
Janice Dean’s response, although short at just three letters, pretty much sums up what everyone is feeling:
Omg
Andrew Cuomo ordered to return pandemic book profits to state https://t.co/fXVxb7LV35
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) December 14, 2021
But there are complications:
Some potential complications: Cuomo placed $1 million from the book proceeds into a blind trust. He donated $500,000 to the United Way in the Capital Region.
— Nick Reisman (@NickReisman) December 14, 2021
And his lawyer signaled a court fight to come if the state attempts to enforce the decision:
Cuomo attorney Jim McGuire says legal challenge is coming if claw back is enforced: “JCOPE’s actions today are unconstitutional, exceed its own authority and appear to be driven by political interests rather than the facts and the law."
(previous tweet with wrong attribution)
— Nick Reisman (@NickReisman) December 14, 2021
Exit question: What about his legal fees?
Make him pay for his own lawyers next. https://t.co/1zbf4gGXgG
— Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramos) December 14, 2021
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