Schneiderman Suspended

Former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has been suspended for a year and until further order by the New York Appellate Division for the  First Judicial Department

Between July 2013 and December 2014, respondent was involved in a long-term, consensual sexual relationship with M.B. On a number of occasions during their relationship respondent slapped M.B, placed his hands on her neck and applied pressure without obtaining consent, and at times he was verbally and emotionally abusive.

Between August 2016 and September 2017, respondent was involved in a long-term, consensual sexual relationship with T.S. During their relationship, respondent slapped T.S., placed his hands on her neck and applied pressure without obtaining consent, and at times he was verbally and emotionally abusive.

During a romantic encounter in August 2016, respondent slapped an unidentified attorney twice.

On May 7, 2018, the day The New Yorker article was published, respondent was advised that he would be the subject of a criminal investigation by a special prosecutor appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and shortly thereafter, respondent resigned from his position as Attorney General of New York.

In May of 2018, respondent began weekly therapy sessions with his psychiatrist, whom he had previously been seeing monthly since January of 2018 for medication management. Respondent also completed a one-month inpatient alcohol rehabilitation program, he became an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and he has publicly acknowledged that he is a recovering alcoholic.

On November 8, 2018, after investigating the allegations raised in The New Yorker article, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute respondent, citing statutes of limitations and other grounds, on which date respondent issued a public statement apologizing for his conduct.

Sanction

Respondent’s admitted misconduct involves verbal and emotional abuse, and unwanted physical contact with three women. However, respondent does not have any criminal or disciplinary history, he has a significant record of public service, and he has taken steps to address his alcohol abuse and past abusive behavior via his participation in AA and therapy. Also, there is precedent to support the requested one-year suspension (see Matter of Tabacco, 171 AD3d at 163; Matter of D’Angelo, 285 AD2d 1 [2d Dept 2001]).

The investigation was initiated based on reporting by The New Yorker. (Mike Fr sch)