Cuomo Signs Measure Allowing New York Prosecutors to Bypass Presidential Pardons

US
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in New York, September 14, 2018. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a measure Wednesday freeing New York from its obligation to observe presidential pardons when it comes to prosecuting crimes committed in the state.

The measure scraps the “double-jeopardy loophole” that bars states from prosecuting individuals after the federal government has already prosecuted them for the same crimes. It allows New York state prosecutors to investigate individuals who worked in a presidential administration or for the president’s campaign, nonprofits, or businesses, even if they were pardoned by the president.

“No one is above the law and New York will not turn a blind eye to criminality, no matter who seeks to protect them,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The closure of this egregious loophole gives prosecutors the ability to stand up against any abuse of power, and helps ensure that no politically motivated, self-serving action is sanctioned under law.”

The law was seen as preempting a potential presidential pardon of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, who is currently serving over seven years in federal prison on bank-fraud, tax-evasion, and conspiracy charges and still faces state mortgage-fraud charges in New York. Several other former Trump associates are likewise facing charges in New York, and the Manhattan district attorney’s office is also currently probing the Trump Organization’s finances.

The state legislature passed the measure in May, and it will go into effect immediately.

Articles You May Like

Trump says Nikki Haley is not being considered for VP
Highway robbery: How car companies steal your data
Column: Hillary Clinton’s Conspiracy Privilege
Israel captures Rafah border crossing, cutting of all humanitarian aid to Gaza as hundreds of thousands face starvation
JUST IN: House Judiciary Committee Takes Steps to Hold Merrick Garland in Contempt of Congress For Refusing to Hand Over Audio of Biden’s Interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur

Leave a Comment - No Links Allowed:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *