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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

No Sex-Abuse Charges for Ex-AG Schneiderman

Six months to the day after announcing their investigation, Nassau County prosecutors told news outlets Thursday that former New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman will not face criminal charges.

(CN) – Six months to the day after announcing their investigation, Nassau County prosecutors told news outlets Thursday that former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will not face criminal charges.

“I believe the women who shared their experiences with our investigation team, however legal impediments, including statutes of limitations, preclude criminal prosecution,” said Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas, as quoted by The New York Times.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had tapped Singas to act as an independent special prosecutor over Schneiderman's case on May 8 this year, shortly after the New Yorker exposed claims that the then-attorney general physically abused four women. Journalists Jane Meyer and Ronan Farrow quoted two women on the record, and literary luminary Salman Rushdie served as a character witness for one of the accusers, who also provided medical records and other physical evidence to back up her claims.

Though Schneiderman denied the allegations at the time, he issued a remorseful statement today revealing that he has spent time in a “rehab facility” to make amends.

“I recognize that District Attorney Singas’ decision not to prosecute does not mean I have done nothing wrong,” Schneiderman wrote. “I accept full responsibility for my conduct in my relationships with my accusers.”

Two other district attorney’s offices – in Manhattan and Suffolk counties – announced concurrent investigations in May.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office ended its investigation when the governor appointed Singas, its spokesman Danny Frost confirmed today.

The Suffolk County office did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

Categories / Criminal, Government

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