Attorney pushes NYC deputy mayor to disclose role in 2001 Assembly assault case

Attorney Carrie Goldberg, on behalf of former Assembly staffer Elizabeth Crothers, is seeking a deposition from First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan regarding his awareness of the 2001 sexual assault allegation against Michael Boxley, the chief legal counsel to then-Speaker Sheldon Silver. Goldberg argues that Fuleihan, who oversaw the Assembly’s finances, could have participated in strategy sessions about the internal probe or a potential payout to Crothers.

Boxley denied the rape allegation but pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct in 2003, receiving probation, a fine, and sex-offender registration. Another former staffer, Rikki Shaw, who also accused Boxley, supports questioning Fuleihan, asserting he would have known any silencing plan. The mayor’s office, through spokesperson Dora Pekec, maintains that Fuleihan had no role in the complaint or settlement discussions. State Court of Claims Judge Ramon Rivera has refused to dismiss Crothers’ primary claims of harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliation, while tossing the negligence allegations.