I think someone could think that according to this memo from the Wall Street Journal. The memo has this important bit in it.
To the extent that we meet certain participation targets, it is not expected that the names will be released, at all.
It kind of seems like Cuomo could have committed extortion.
Most states define extortion as the gaining of property or money by almost any kind of force, or threat of 1) violence, 2) property damage, 3) harm to reputation, or 4) unfavorable government action.
It seem that the harm to reputation part is what he committed. He pretty much put out the threat of releasing these peoples names and having their reputations ruined. I'm sure Cuomo knew that releasing these people's names was like throwing red meat to piranhas. I mean ACORN went to one of these peoples homes and created a publicity stunt in order to shame an AIG employee. What would stop some nutjob from planting a bomb at this guys house?
I figure that Cuomo was forcing these people to pay back the money to AIG and not him personally so he probably won't be charged with anything. However he might have set himself up for a lawsuit. I mean Cuomo pretty much threatened to ruin these people's reputations (or possibly get themselves strangled with piano wire) in return for his silence.
However, these AIG people probably won't sue in order to keep their names out of the paper. It is sad times when the AG of New York threatens workers at a company that I (and every American) owns 80% of.
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