Andrew Cuomo to Face Impeachment Inquiry Led by Democrats

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing pressure to step down from his post in recent weeks due to allegations of sexual harassments surrounding him. Because of the women who have given their testimonies on Cuomo showing appropriate behavior towards them, impeachment has been in the equation in response to the allegations.

New York Daily News reported that an impeachment investigation will now be held against the New York governor to determine if the sexual harassment allegations are true.

It can be recalled that several New York officials had already called for his resignation. But Andrew Cuomo said "no way," arguing that the people of New York are the ones who put him on his post and not the politicians themselves.

Over 55 Democratic state legislators on Thursday called on Cuomo to step down from his post.

Andrew Cuomo's Impeachment Investigation

Leading the "impeachment investigation" committee is Long Island Democratic Assemblyman Chuck Lavine. Spectrum Local News noted that the committee would push through with the investigation amid mounting calls for the immediate removal of Andrew Cuomo from office.

In announcing the formed committee to investigate the potential impeachment of Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie noted that the reports of accusations concerning the New York governor are serious.

He added that the committee had the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents, and evaluate evidence as allowed by the New York State Constitution.

"I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation," Heastie said.

Daily Voice reported that Heastie authorized the Assembly Judiciary Committee to start with the investigation after the meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference.

Heastie noted that the subpoena power would not interfere with the separate probe conducted by Attorney General Letitia James' office. James named former federal prosecutor Joon Kim, and employment lawyer, Anne Clark, to lead the investigation.

Democratic Assemblyman John McDonald said since Andrew Cuomo expressed his plans not to resign, he believed that "it is in the best interest of our state if Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul serve as acting governor" until the AG's investigation or any other inquiries reach a conclusion.

Andrew Cuomo's Groping Incident

After several women surfaced and claimed to be sexually harassed by Andrew Cuomo, New York Post reported that the Albany Police Department had been informed about an allegation that the New York governor has groped a female staffer.

However, police spokesman Steve Smith noted that there had been no formal complaint filed yet and no active criminal investigation. A person familiar with the incident told the Albany Times Union that Cuomo put his hands under the woman's blouse and groped her despite telling him to stop.

The female staffer, who has not been identified, was reportedly younger than Cuomo. Reports said the 63-year-old New York governor summoned the woman to his official residence to fix his cellphone's problem.

Meanwhile, the District Attorney's Office shared that the accusation against the New York governor will not roll unless the accuser or the alleged victim coordinates with the authorities. Cuomo has denied the allegation that could constitute a criminal offense.

New York Daily News noted that the actual impeachment could not move forward without Heastie allowing it to come to a vote. Reports noted that the impeachment would require a majority of 76 lawmakers in the Assembly.

A trial overseen by the state's Senate and Court of Appeals would then be conducted. Andrew Cuomo would then be required to temporarily turn over his power to Hochul, taking the acting governor's role.

WATCH: N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo Faces Growing Calls For His Resignation - From CNBC Television