Cornell defendant seeks removal of NY Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in gang rape case
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to investigate an alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University, citing lost faith in the local district attorney. A defendant has moved to disqualify James, citing her social media post calling the accuser a "survivor." The accuser's lawyer claims she was misled about the investigation. Cornell's Board of Trustees retained former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates for an independent review. The Ithaca Common Council is considering blocking Cornell events.
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Cornell defendant fights New York AG Letitia James' appointment as special prosecutor in sex assault case
A defendant in a Cornell University sex assault case is legally challenging New York Attorney General Letitia James' appointment as a special prosecutor. The New York Times reports the accused man wants James removed from the case. Separately, the accuser's lawyer claims she was misled about the criminal investigation, according to AP News. In response to the incident, the city of Ithaca has halted party permits for Cornell, as reported by Bloomberg. Additionally, Cornell University's Board of Trustees has retained former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of the university's handling of the matter.
Read sourceMan Accused in Cornell Sex Assault Seeks Removal of NY Attorney General as Prosecutor
A man accused in a Cornell University sexual assault case is seeking to have New York Attorney General Letitia James removed as the special prosecutor, according to multiple news reports. The New York Times reports the defendant's legal motion to disqualify James. NBC News confirms the defendant is fighting James' appointment. Meanwhile, CNN reports that the accuser, identified as Jane Doe, is receiving death threats as pressure mounts from the investigation and student protests. The Associated Press adds that the accuser's lawyer claims she was 'misled' about the criminal investigation. In a related development, WSYR reports that the Ithaca Common Council is set to vote on a measure to block Cornell University from holding events within the city, reflecting broader community tensions surrounding the case.
Lawyer for Cornell rape case defendant seeks removal of special prosecutor Letitia James
A lawyer representing one of seven men accused in a Cornell University gang rape case has called for New York Attorney General Letitia James to recuse herself as special prosecutor, citing public comments she made on social media. In a September 28 post on X, James wrote that the alleged victim's experience was 'horrific and unacceptable' and told survivors 'we stand with you.' The defense lawyer argued these remarks undermine the investigation's 'integrity and independence,' though he stopped short of alleging corruption or bad faith. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor last week to investigate the October 2024 incident and the university's initial response. The case has sparked campus protests and a no-confidence vote by Cornell's Faculty Senate scheduled for next week. Hochul defended James, stating she would 'follow the facts' and pursue charges if evidence supports them. The university administration faces criticism over its alleged mishandling of the case.
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Hochul seeks to close rape law loophole, appoints special prosecutor in Cornell gang rape case
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to close a loophole in state rape law that makes it difficult to prove sexual assault when the victim voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs. The announcement came amid a crisis at Cornell University, where a former student alleged she was gang-raped by several men at a fraternity house after being coerced into consuming drugs. Hochul criticized Cornell police and Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten for their handling of the case, noting that key parts of the victim's account were omitted from materials sent to the DA, who declined to pursue charges without interviewing the woman. Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, and Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff agreed to an independent review. The State Senate has repeatedly attempted to pass legislation closing the loophole, but the Assembly has not brought it to a vote. Hochul said she would work with lawmakers early in January to change the law.
Read sourceLetitia James Appointed to Investigate Cornell Case, Accused of Bias by Critics
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James to oversee a new investigation into Cornell University's handling of a 2024 sexual misconduct allegation. The case involves a lawsuit by an alleged victim, Jane Doe, who accuses seven fraternity brothers of gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house. James publicly referred to Doe as a 'survivor' and stated 'We stand with you,' which critics argue shows bias and undermines her role as an impartial investigator. The accused fraternity brothers deny the allegations, with four claiming the sex was consensual. Hochul defended James and criticized the district attorney who declined to file charges. Hochul also called for closing what she described as an intoxication 'loophole' in New York law, though the article notes that the law already protects intoxicated persons from non-consensual sex. The article from Reason Magazine expresses doubt that James will give the accused a fair shake.
New York governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell fraternity rape investigation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate the alleged gang rape of a woman at Cornell University, citing lost faith in the local district attorney's handling of the case. The woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and raped by seven men at a fraternity house in 2024. The case was initially closed by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who said insufficient evidence prevented charges. After Doe filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell in September 2026, the case was reopened. Van Houten has defended his office's decision, claiming key evidence was not provided to him. Hochul stated the young woman deserves a thorough investigation and justice. James said she would lead a process guided by facts and law. The governor and attorney general are scheduled to provide an update on the investigation on Friday morning.