Former Cuomo aide calls AG Letitia James a hypocrite over whistleblower file release

Former senior adviser to ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, Richard Azzopardi, labeled Attorney General Letitia James the "biggest hypocrite in Albany" after her office released the personnel records of whistleblower Daniel Wiesenfeld. Azzopardi pointed to a similar episode five years earlier when he helped publicize files of a staffer who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, arguing the two situations are indistinguishable. Wiesenfeld, a prosecutor in the Investor Protection Bureau, alleged his superiors forced him to continue an insider-trading investigation into President Trump despite insufficient evidence.

The AG’s office issued a termination letter citing performance issues and alleged mishandling of privileged emails, and later justified the release of Wiesenfeld’s files under state FOIL rules. James’ spokesperson maintained that the disciplinary action was warranted for violations of law and professional conduct. The dispute unfolds as James seeks a third term as New York Attorney General, facing a Republican challenger in the upcoming election.