Letitia James Fights Removal as Cornell Rape Special Prosecutor

New York Attorney General Letitia James is fighting legal attempts to disqualify her as the special prosecutor in an investigation into the 2024 gang-rape of a former Cornell University student. The investigation, which focuses on the conduct of university police and the local district attorney, was launched at the request of Governor Kathy Hochul, who appointed James to the role on October 1.

Attorneys for defendants Gillio Lopes and Winston Lee, members of the Chi Pi fraternity known as the Cornell 7, filed petitions in Albany County Supreme Court to remove James. They allege political bias and a presumption of guilt, citing a September social media post where James described the victim's experience as "horrific and unacceptable."

In court filings, James argued that the petitions lack legal standing because no criminal charges have been filed against the students. She characterized her social media activity as an expression of empathy rather than prejudice and asserted that the appointment falls under the governor's broad discretionary authority. James maintains that only Governor Hochul has the authority to remove her from the position. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 29.