Accused Cornell student to make case for removing special prosecutor Letitia James from sex assault investigation
A New York judge is reviewing a petition to remove Attorney General Letitia James from a sexual assault investigation at Cornell University. The defense argues that James's public comments demonstrate bias, while the judge questioned the procedural validity of the request.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tension between public advocacy by elected officials and the requirement for impartiality in criminal investigations.
A New York judge on Thursday sharply questioned attorneys over a request to remove Attorney General Letitia James from her role as the special prosecutor investigating sexual assault allegations at Cornell University. The petition to remove James due to bias was filed by Cornell student Gillio Lopes, one of the seven men accused by Jane Doe of sexually assaulting her at a fraternity party in 2024. In court, Judge James Farrell questioned why the other six men were not jointly part of the petition. “It’s not just your client. There are six other people. They’re not part of this litigation. Why?” Farrell asked Lopes’ attorney Andrew Miltenberg. “Say I agree with you. Does she get removed for your client’s case and the other six have her as special prosecutor? How’s that work?
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