Myerson Takes Leave After Taking 5th
NEW YORK — Bess Myerson will take a leave of absence as cultural affairs commissioner while the city examines her use of the Fifth Amendment before a grand jury investigating her boyfriend.
Myerson said Tuesday she would step down “for no longer than 90 days” while a special investigator looks into her actions before the federal grand jury that is investigating Carl Capasso, a contractor who does millions of dollars in city business.
“I have done nothing wrong,” Myerson said in a statement, adding she never “in any way helped Mr. Capasso to get any city contract.”
Shortly after her decision was announced, Mayor Edward Koch said a special investigator will look into Myerson’s use of the Fifth Amendment.
Capasso’s ex-wife Nancy, whom he divorced in 1983, has charged that Myerson, 62, was responsible for the breakup of her marriage. Myerson was Miss America in 1945.
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