New York Attorney General Letitia James has formally opposed a recent motion seeking to remove her from her role as special prosecutor in the Cornell University rape investigation. The challenge to her appointment is grounded in allegations of political bias, a claim James disputes in her legal response.
The motion was submitted by an attorney representing Gillio Lopes, one of seven individuals facing a lawsuit alleging that a woman was raped at a fraternity house affiliated with Cornell University. The petition argues that James has displayed a bias against Lopes, thereby compromising her ability to act impartially in the case.
In her legal response, James asserted that the claims made in the petition lack legal standing and that, even if they were valid, the court should dismiss them. She emphasized that the authority to appoint a special prosecutor lies with the Governor. “Petitioner asks this Court to impermissibly void a discretionary action by the Governor,” James stated in her opposition filing.
James was appointed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on October 1, following concerns regarding the handling of the woman’s allegations by the university’s police and the local district attorney’s office. These concerns stemmed from a lawsuit in which the woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was sexually assaulted and administered drugs at the fraternity house in 2024. The case has generated significant public outrage, particularly in light of messages shared in a group chat regarding her on the night of the alleged assault.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against the individuals named in the lawsuit. Additionally, attorneys representing another former fraternity member, Winston Lee, have also sought to disqualify James from future grand jury proceedings related to the case. This particular motion remains under consideration.
While James’ office has not yet issued a formal response to Lee’s request, a spokesperson indicated that they are aware of the development. Both Lee and Lopes deny the accusations made against them.
The claims of bias hinge upon a Facebook post from James’ official account made on September 28, prior to her appointment. The post expressed empathy for the alleged victim, stating, “What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers,” and reassuring survivors of sexual assault that they are not alone.
In light of the motions to have her disqualified, James reaffirmed her commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, stating she is “guided only by the facts, the evidence, and the law.”
