20 April 2021: More Background on DiNapoli's Criminal Referral Letter on Cuomo's Pandemic Book Project

NY AG probes Cuomo’s use of aides on book

This report provides additional details about the referral made by New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli that initiated a criminal investigation of Governor Cuomo's pandemic "leadership" book project by New York State Attorney General Letitia "Tish" James:

New York’s attorney general is investigating whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo broke the law by having members of his staff help write and promote his pandemic leadership book.

In a letter dated April 13, made public Monday, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli authorized state Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the work state employees did on drafting and editing the book, “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which was released last fall.

James’ office confirmed it received the referral letter but declined further comment, citing an “ongoing investigation.”...

DiNapoli authorized the attorney general to convene a grand jury, if she chose to do so, and prosecute anyone believed to have violated those laws.

We've inserted a new entry for 13 April 2021 into the timeline to cover DiNapoli's criminal referral letter to the attorney general.