Some current and former state officials are reacting to the criminal sexual misconduct charges leveled against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Former New York Gov. George Pataki was in Westchester Friday to endorse Republican Christine Sculti in her race for Westchester County executive.

Pataki also weighed in on the legal troubles facing Cuomo, who has been charged with a criminal misdemeanor sex crime in connection to an incident involving a former aide.

It allegedly took place at the governor's mansion in Albany in December 2020.

"We'll just have to see how it plays out, obviously. Everyone is entitled to be provided defense. And they're innocent until proven guilty," said Pataki.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who was among the first state Democratic officials who called for Cuomo to resign amid mounting sexual harassment allegations against him back in August, says justice is taking its course.

"This is a part of the process, they're a lot of ongoing investigations, it's been the case for a while," she says.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who took the top job in Albany when Cuomo stepped down, says she believes the women who have accused him of sexual harassment.

Hochul added that her administration is fostering a much different work environment.

"We're doing everything we can to create an environment where people feel safe and secure," says Hochul.

Cuomo has denied all the allegations against him.

Since December 2020, more than a dozen women have come forward with allegations against Cuomo.