Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo is rushing to the aid of his brother-in-law’s sibling — by urging a federal judge to give him a light sentence for fraud.
The former pol submitted a letter over the summer asking that Neil Cole — whose fashion magnate brother Kenneth is the husband of Cuomo’s sister, Maria — be given a slap on the wrist after being convicted of cooking the books at his high-profile fashion licensing business.
“I am writing to share my perspectives on Neil and tell you of the many times he has helped contribute to helping me govern and more important making positive contributions to the world,” Cuomo wrote in his August leniency plea to Manhattan federal court Judge Edgardo Ramos, which was revealed this week in Crain’s New York Business.
Cuomo noted that he appointed Neil Cole to serve as a member of his Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission a decade ago — and was also accompanied by him on missions to Israel.
“I began working with Neil during my first administration and appointed him to the Sage Commission. Here we did our best to help streamline government, which was not an easy challenge. Over the next few years Neil was part of two missions to Israel, meeting with the government and showing our support during the Hebrew University bombings and also during the Gaza War in the summer of 2014,” he added.
Last year, Neil Cole was convicted of securities fraud, tampering with audits, and issuing false filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission for his Iconix Brand Group, owns labels like London Fog, Joe Boxer and the Rocawear clothing brand created by Jay-Z.
His sentencing is on Oct. 10.
Cuomo also said Cole was “instrumental” in helping create the Women’s Equality Party ballot line when he sought re-election to a second term in 2014.
He said Cole was a CEO who showed “caring, empathy and kindness”, such as helping reduce teen pregnancy and working with cancer charities at Mount Sinai hospital and elsewhere.
Neil Cole founded Iconix in 2005. It became a powerhouse, generating more than $400 million in revenue, $100 million in earnings employing 150 workers, including his two sons.
The company was bought in 2021 by private equity firm Lancer Capital for $585 million.
Cuomo resigned as governor in August of 2021 under the threat of impeachment after a state investigative report outlined a slew of sexual misconduct allegations that he denies.
Kenneth Cole, in his own letter to the judge, said Neil has suffered enough, while noting his good deeds as a brother, dad and philanthropist.
“Sadly, Neil’s career and personal life have been suspended the last 7+ years during the course of these proceedings. He has lost the business he built and loved, and along with his kids (who also lost their jobs,) have been forced to live under a shadow making it almost impossible to find
alternative employment,” Kenneth Cole said..
“I respectfully suggest that he has already paid a significant price for all that has happened: personally, financially, as well as professionally.”
For his part, Cuomo is seeking to climb his way back to relevancy after resigning in disgrace. He hosts a weekly podcast and has upped his public appearances.