Brendan J. Lyons is reporting for the Times Union approximately three hours after the New Yorker published a story alleging he had slapped and choked four women, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned, late May 7. Through a spokesperson, Schneiderman strongly contested the allegations. To the New Yorker he acknowledged engaging in "role-playing ... in the privacy of intimate relationships," but denied ever assaulting anyone. Two of the women, Michelle Manning Barish and Tanya Selvaratnam, spoke to the New Yorker on the record and said they sought medical attention after he hit them. They said the abuse escalated and that Schneiderman was a heavy drinker. As calls for his immediate resignation mounted Monday night, including from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democrats, Schneiderman announced he was stepping down. "...While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office's work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018." Cuomo has called for an immediate investigation into the allegations. Schneiderman was running for re-election in November. Before the accusations were made, Wall Street lawyer Republican Manny Alicandro announced he was a candidate for the office. New York Solicitor General Barbara Underwood will take over for Schneiderman when his resignation becomes effective. She could hold the post until voters choose a successor in November, but state law allows the legislature to fill the vacancy. Read the full story in the Times Union.