Why It Matters
New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking to remain special prosecutor in an investigation involving alleged sexual assault and drugging at a Cornell University fraternity house. No criminal charges have been filed.
What Happened
James filed a response opposing a petition by Gillio Lopes’ attorney to remove her from the investigation. The petition alleges that James showed bias and presumed guilt.
James argued that the petition’s claims “are not justiciable” and that the petitioner lacks standing. She also argued that, even if standing existed, the court should reject the request.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed James special prosecutor on Oct. 1. Hochul cited concerns about how university police and the local district attorney’s office handled a woman’s allegations that she was raped and given drugs at a Cornell fraternity house in 2024.
The lawsuit identifies the woman as Jane Doe. Seven men are sued over allegations involving the fraternity house. Attorneys for Lopes and Winston Lee said their clients deny the accusations.
Lee’s attorneys separately filed a motion seeking to disqualify James from future grand jury proceedings. That motion remains pending, and James’ office had not formally responded as of Thursday.
The motions filed for Lopes and Lee cite a Sept. 28 post on the New York attorney general’s account as evidence of bias. James said she was “committed to leading a comprehensive investigation they can trust, guided only by the facts, the evidence, and the law.”
By the Numbers
Seven men — number of men sued over allegations involving the Cornell fraternity house
Oct. 1 — date Hochul appointed James special prosecutor
2024 — year of the alleged sexual assault and drugging
Sept. 28 — date of the cited post on the New York attorney general’s account
Zoom Out
The case involves separate legal efforts to challenge James’ role: Lopes’ petition seeks her removal as special prosecutor, while Lee’s motion seeks to bar her from future grand jury proceedings.
What’s Next
The court must address the petition challenging James’ appointment and the pending motion concerning Lee’s grand jury proceedings. James’ office must also formally respond to Lee’s filing.