Report: NY Attorney General issues subpoenas into Cuomo book deal

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC)— New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office has issued a subpoena to the state’s ethics commission to get its hands on records on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s book deal.

The Albany Times Union reports the subpoena to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) was issued in connection with a criminal investigation looking into if Cuomo’s use of government workers to assist him in writing the book, “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic" violated any laws.

Cuomo made roughly $5 million from the book, and his administration said he donated $500,000 of his profits from the book to the United Way of New York State. The book was published last October, its publisher previously said it would not reissue or reprint the book.

According to the Times Union, the subpoena does not confirm a grand jury has reviewed any evidence in the investigation.

Both Cuomo’s attorney, Rita Glavin, and James’ office have not commented.