What to Know
- An investigation shows a former state official engaged in a “persistent” pattern of sexual harassment against multiple victims
- Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro said Robert Freeman used his status as the media’s “go-to source” to repeatedly victimize reporters
- A journalist had said Freeman harassed her and touched her inappropriately. The 72-year-old Freeman has acknowledged misconduct.
New York’s inspector general says an investigation shows a former state official engaged in a “persistent” pattern of sexual harassment against multiple victims.
Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro said Thursday that Robert Freeman used his status as the media’s “go-to source” to repeatedly victimize reporters who thought they had no other recourse.
Freeman was fired in June from working as executive director of the state’s committee on open government.
A journalist had said Freeman harassed her and touched her inappropriately. The 72-year-old Freeman has acknowledged misconduct.
He did not immediately respond to a message left Thursday.
Investigators found photos of naked women on Freeman’s state computer. The probe also concluded that New York Department of State officials were aware of Freeman’s prior incidents of inappropriate conduct toward women.
