COLONIE — Police will not bring charges against Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse and have closed the investigation into allegations made by his wife, Brenda Morse, that the mayor abused her outside the Denny’s Restaurant in September, 2018.
One reason, according to Colonie Lt. Robert Winn, is that investigators “found inconsistencies to the reported allegations.”
The investigation took nearly five months, Winn said, because Brenda Morse failed to “respond to numerous requests to contact the investigator by telephone, email and third party requests.”
The investigation included interviews of all parties with pertinent information, a canvass of area surrounding the Wolf Road restaurant for possible video of the alleged incident and consultation with the State Police and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.
The allegations included claims Shawn Morse assaulted his wife in the restaurant parking lot and spit in her face.
No charges can be substantiated against either party, Winn said.
As with any closed investigation, if new evidence or information comes to light, the investigation can be reopened, Winn said.
Other allegations of abuse by Brenda Morse, and the couple’s teenage daughter, are being investigated by the State Police; and and federal authorities are investigating the mayor as well, according to reports in the Times Union.
A number of public officials, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, have called on the mayor to step down but he recently announced his intention to run for re-election.
More information as it becomes available.
