New York Attorney General Letitia James has responded to a legal petition aimed at removing her from her role as special prosecutor in the ongoing investigation regarding allegations of rape at a Cornell University fraternity house. The petition asserts claims of political bias against James.

Background of the Case

The allegations stem from a lawsuit filed by a woman, referred to as Jane Doe, who claims she was raped and given drugs at the fraternity in 2024. This case has drawn significant public outrage, especially following revelations of messages circulated in a group chat regarding her on the night of the alleged assault.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no criminal charges have been filed to date.

Opposition to Attorney General James

An attorney representing Gillio Lopes, one of the individuals named in the lawsuit, filed a petition this month arguing that James has publicly displayed bias and a presumption of guilt regarding the case. According to this petition, her remarks prior to her appointment as special prosecutor reflect a lack of impartiality.

James’ Legal Response

In her legal filing, James countered the petition’s claims, stating that they are not justiciable and lack standing. Furthermore, she emphasized the governor’s authority to appoint a special prosecutor, asserting that the court should not interfere with the governor’s discretionary powers.

“Petitioner asks this Court to impermissibly void a discretionary action by the Governor,” explained James in her response.

Appointment by Governor Hochul

On October 1, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James to oversee the investigation, expressing concerns about how the local district attorney’s office and university police had previously addressed the allegations. Hochul’s appointment reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a thorough examination of the case amidst community outcry.

Additional Legal Motions

In a related development, attorneys representing Winston Lee, another former fraternity member implicated in the lawsuit, have filed their own motion to disqualify James from participating in future grand jury proceedings. That matter remains unresolved as of now, and James’ office has yet to formally address this new filing.

Both Lopes’ and Lee’s legal teams have strongly denied the accusations made against their clients.

Statements from Attorney General James

As pressure mounts for her to relinquish her role, James has reaffirmed her commitment to conducting a thorough investigation based solely on the evidence and applicable law. She stated:

“I’m committed to leading a comprehensive investigation they can trust, guided only by the facts, the evidence, and the law.”