New York State’s Attorney General, Letitia James, recently held a press conference to announce the findings of a sexual harassment investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Attorney General appointed independent investigators who released a 168-page report, which details that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass state employees. As a result of the report, some believe an impeachment investigation is forthcoming. As part of their ongoing coverage of the sexual harassment investigation, WGRZ 2 On Your Side recently aired a report addressing what is involved in New York’s impeachment process of a governor. WGRZ reporter Leanne Stuck interview attorney Barry Covert to provide legal analysis and insight into New York State’s impeachment process. During the interview, Mr. Covert state “The assembly would have to introduce and pass by a majority so 76 out of 150 members of the assembly would have to pass an impeachment resolution, very similar to the federal system.” Mr. Covert went on...
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President Joe Biden recently announced new COVID-19 pandemic requirements for all federal workers. In an effort to increase vaccination rates, federal workers will be required to attest that they have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or comply with mandatory requirements involving masking, testing, and social distancing. WIVB News 4 recently aired a report on the new vaccine requirements for federal employees. As part of their ongoing coverage of the coronavirus and vaccine debate, WIVB anchor Jacquie Walker spoke with attorney Barry N. Covert. In their interview, Jacquie Walker asks Barry Covert to address the legality of a vaccine mandate for federal employees, the applicability of a vaccine mandate in the private sector, and the possibility of a federal vaccine mandate for all citizens of the United States. Continuing reading for portions of the Barry Covert’s comments and click the video below to watch the full conversation. Can the federal government require its employees to be...
Read MoreLegal Analysis of Potentially Criminal Allegations Made Against New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo
News outlets across New York State have reported extensively on the allegations of sexual harassment made against Governor Andrew Cuomo. When a sixth accuser came forward with misconduct accusations against Governor Cuomo, the reporting shifted from alleged sexual harassment to alleged assault. WGRZ 2 On Your Side’s ongoing coverage of allegations against the governor continued with a “Town Hall” segment hosted by anchors Michael Wooten and Kate Welshofer. Attorney Barry Covert was interviewed for the segment to provide legal analysis on the latest developments in the accusations made against Governor Andrew Cuomo. WGRZ’s Town Hall segment focused on how the accusations made by Governor Cuomo’s sixth accuser differ from previous accusations. Attorney Barry Covert was asked to address several legal topics in this matter, including: why the latest accusation may rise to the level of a criminal offense; if law enforcement need the accuser to cooperate in an investigation; and what impact...
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WGRZ 2 On Your Side recently reported on bail issues involving a man from Niagara County who was arrested for abducting a 17-year-old girl. WGRZ’s Ron Plants interviewed attorney Barry Covert to provide legal analysis for the story. In an earlier story, WGRZ 2 On Your Side reported on an Amber Alert that was issued for a 17-year-old girl from North Tonawanda. Law enforcement found the girl in the state of Pennsylvania and a suspect, Michael D. Mesko, was arrested in the matter. As a follow-up to the Amber Alert story, WGRZ reported that Michael D. Mesko was released from jail on a second degree rape charge just days before allegedly abducting a 17-yer-old girl in North Tonawanda. For legal analysis on this story; attorney Barry Covert was asked to address issues involving why the suspect was set free, the District Attorney’s rationale for skipping a preliminary hearing in sexual abuse cases,...
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WGRZ 2 On Your Side has aired several reports on the latest news regarding how the office of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has handled nursing home deaths in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of their ongoing coverage, WGRZ anchor Scott Levin interviewed attorney Barry Covert to provide legal analysis for this story. As reported by WGRZ, the New York Post published an article that claimed Melissa DeRosa, the Secretary to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, admitted during a video conference call with Democratic lawmakers that they hid nursing home data so the federal government would not find out. DeRosa issued a statement regarding her comments during the video call, subsequent to the New York Post story. In his interview with WGRZ, attorney Barry Covert provided analysis on the potential criminal liability of the alleged actions of Gov. Cuomo’s office as well as the importance of the statement issued by Melissa...
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WGRZ 2 On Your Side recently reported on an online video, which shows an altercation that took place at a private gym in Orchard Park. Buffalo area business owners gathered at Athletes Unleashed to discuss ways to address Orange Zone lockdown restrictions that had just gone into effect. As reported by WGRZ, during the meeting, deputies from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office as well as members of the Erie County Department of Health entered the gym and attempted to “break up” the meeting. Attendees of the meeting protested against the presence of sheriff deputies and department of health officials, eventually forcing the officials to leave the gym. WGRZ interviewed attorney Barry Covert for this story to provide legal analysis on the rights of businesses and individuals who are facing enforcement of New York State COVID rules. Mr. Covert stated “The owner of the premises was absolutely entitled to ask the law enforcement and the...
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Attorney Barry Covert was interviewed by WGRZ anchor Scott Levin regarding the sentencing of a Williamsville pain management doctor who was charged with unlawful distribution of painkiller medication. Click here to watch WGRZ’s full report, including legal analysis by Barry Covert regarding details of the case and the 70-month sentence given in U.S. District Court.