Albany County Supreme Court Judge Danielle Jose-Decker has ruled that taxpayers will not be responsible for over $700,000 in legal fees for Melissa DeRosa, a close confidant of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The decision denied DeRosa's attempt to reverse a state comptroller's office ruling that declined to reimburse her for the expenses.
DeRosa incurred these legal costs after being dismissed from a sexual harassment case brought by an anonymous state trooper against her and Cuomo. The judge stated in her ruling that any argument that the dismissal could have been reversed in the future, thus necessitating continued representation, was speculative and remote.
Despite this ruling, the law firm representing DeRosa and Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi has already been reimbursed approximately $2.6 million for their legal services. The legal battles and investigations involving Cuomo have collectively cost taxpayers more than $60 million to date.
Catherine Foti, DeRosa's attorney, expressed disappointment with the court's decision, asserting that it is inconsistent with the law and past precedents. She stated that the Attorney General's report led to DeRosa being baselessly sued and subjected to years of litigation, and that the court's decision is not aligned with legal standards. Foti indicated that they intend to appeal the ruling.
The office of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli declined to comment on the matter.