Sources: Former top aide Melissa DeRosa urged Gov. Cuomo to resign for weeks

Sources told News 12 that DeRosa urged Cuomo for weeks to resign or at least announce that he wouldn't seek re-election next year, all in an effort to quell talk of impeachment.

News 12 Staff

Aug 9, 2021, 4:22 PM

Updated 1,011 days ago

Share:

Sources tell News 12 that a top aide to embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged him to resign for weeks before stepping down herself over the weekend.
The news comes as the state Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, tasked with investigating whether Gov. Cuomo committed any offenses worthy of impeachment, wrapped up a crucial meeting in Albany on Monday afternoon.
Chuck Lavine, who heads the committee, says it should be ready in several weeks to make a decision whether or not to recommend a vote on impeaching the governor.
Members met for three hours, listening to more evidence gathered by investigators hired by the Assembly. That evidence went beyond the sexual misconduct allegations outlined by the state Attorney General last week. It also included evidence regarding the use of state resources to write and produce a book, the administration’s handling of nursing home patients at the height of the pandemic, and allegations that the governor provided for preferential access to COVID-19 testing to certain friends and/or family members.
The Judiciary Committee will be meeting again on the next two Mondays. That will be followed by a public hearing involving an expert on sexual harassment – then a possible vote on impeachment in several weeks.
On Sunday night, Cuomo's top aide, Melissa DeRosa, resigned. She was mentioned nearly 200 times in the attorney general's report. Among other things, investigators say DeRosa led efforts to discredit some of the women who accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct.
Sources told News 12 that DeRosa urged Cuomo for weeks to resign or at least announce that he wouldn't seek re-election next year, all in an effort to quell talk of impeachment.
Assemblyman Mike Montesano (R-Glen Head) says the governor is “grasping on the last few final straws that he has.”
“[Legislators] feel the more he's here, the more damage he's doing. He's going after people, he's trying to intimidate witnesses,” he says.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie tamped down any speculation that a delay in the impeachment decision would give Cuomo the chance to cut a deal, perhaps by offering not to run for reelection next year.
“I'm not negotiating in deals. I'm not part of any discussion or plan to be a part of any discussion on cutting deals,” he said.
Earlier Monday, Time’s Up leader Roberta Kaplan also resigned over fallout from her work advising the Cuomo’s administration when the first allegations of sexual harassment were made against him last year.
AP Wire Services were used in this report. 


More from News 12
0:34
Man arrested in connection to fatal hit-and-run of 75-year-old Bronx woman

Man arrested in connection to fatal hit-and-run of 75-year-old Bronx woman

2:17
Wet and cloudy conditions stick around overnight before a sunny Friday

Wet and cloudy conditions stick around overnight before a sunny Friday

1:49
Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote

Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote

0:36
Bronx DA: 2 NYPD officers indicted for sexual assault while off-duty

Bronx DA: 2 NYPD officers indicted for sexual assault while off-duty

0:58
Mayor Adams announces pilot program to fight against retail theft in NYC

Mayor Adams announces pilot program to fight against retail theft in NYC

1:47
NYPD: Robbers wanted for targeting people buying, selling cars in the Bronx

NYPD: Robbers wanted for targeting people buying, selling cars in the Bronx

1:38
BX-Factor competition names $10,000 winner at Yankee Stadium

BX-Factor competition names $10,000 winner at Yankee Stadium

1:51
Con Edison says it's struggling with gas meter inspections because tenants won't let inspectors inside homes

Con Edison says it's struggling with gas meter inspections because tenants won't let inspectors inside homes

0:32
GROWNYC program to close its doors for good due to budget cuts

GROWNYC program to close its doors for good due to budget cuts

0:24
NYC teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness starting June 1

NYC teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness starting June 1

5:35
Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

1:41
Ready for an adventure this summer? Visit the Bronx's Van Cortlandt Park

Ready for an adventure this summer? Visit the Bronx's Van Cortlandt Park

1:33
Bronx high school student among 18 chosen for High School Broadway Shadowing Program

Bronx high school student among 18 chosen for High School Broadway Shadowing Program

1:53
Bronx courthouse back on the real estate market for fist time in years

Bronx courthouse back on the real estate market for fist time in years

Your New York City Graduation Photos

Your New York City Graduation Photos

0:33
DOT seeking artists to create 5 public artworks across NYC

DOT seeking artists to create 5 public artworks across NYC

2:12
Local groups demand apology from Mayor Eric Adams over controversial comment

Local groups demand apology from Mayor Eric Adams over controversial comment

2:10
Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

1:24
Funeral procession held for 17-year-old Bronx girl fatally stabbed earlier this month

Funeral procession held for 17-year-old Bronx girl fatally stabbed earlier this month

1:55
Mott Haven tenants forced to remove door cameras say they’re already feeling less safe

Mott Haven tenants forced to remove door cameras say they’re already feeling less safe