Report: Cornwell Releases Statement on Preston

For the second time this year, Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell issued a cryptic statement alluding to possible wrongdoing by elected officials.

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell during a radio interview. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

According to WBNG-TV 12 News, Cornwell provided an "interesting statement" on Friday regarding Broome County Executive Debra Preston.

The station reported the statement was: "This afternoon, District Attorney Steve Cornwell has recused himself from any case involving Debra A. Preston."

Broome County Executive Debra Preston during an appearance on the "Binghamton Now" radio program. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Cornwell did not elaborate on the statement. 12 News said a reporter went to the county executive's office in downtown Binghamton and was advised she was not available.

The station also reported Broome County Republican Chairman Bijoy Datta had not returned calls seeking comment on Cornwell's statement.

In April, Cornwell also put a highly unusual statement late on a Friday afternoon in response to questions from reporters and others "regarding elected officials and law enforcement officers."

In that statement, Cornwell said it would be unethical to comment on any potential investigations. He said if he believed his office had a conflict with an investigation, another district attorney's office would be assigned to handle such a case.

Cornwell's statement on April 29 concluded: "My message to Broome County has always been: If you've done nothing wrong - you have nothing to worry about."

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