Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Letitia James faces challenge over Cornell sexual assault investigation
New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a criminal investigation into allegations involving seven members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity.
A woman identified as Jane Doe says she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity party in October 2024 while incapacitated by drugs and alcohol.
The seven men have denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed.
A lawyer for one of the men, Gillio Lopes, has asked a judge to block James from overseeing the case, arguing that her earlier support for Doe shows bias.
James's office says the challenge is premature and lacks merit, and she declined to discuss whether she would step aside at a campaign event.
James said the case is serious, and outside counsel is reportedly planned to investigate the seven men.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing a petition seeking to block her from leading a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving seven Cornell fraternity members.
A lawyer for accused fraternity member Gillio Lopes argues that James showed bias by expressing support for the alleged victim before taking charge of the investigation.
James’ office has asked a judge to dismiss the petition, calling its claims premature and lacking merit.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that the men sexually assaulted her while she was incapacitated at a party in October 2024; all seven have denied wrongdoing.
No criminal charges have been filed, according to the article.
- Who
- New York Attorney General Letitia James, lawyer Andrew Miltenberg, and seven current or former Chi Phi fraternity members are involved. The alleged victim is identified as Jane Doe.
- What
- Lopes’s lawyer has petitioned to block James from leading a criminal investigation into Jane Doe’s allegations. James’ office has asked a judge to dismiss the petition.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred in October 2024. James discussed the investigation at a campaign event on Sunday; the article does not give the date.
- Where
- The allegations concern a party at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house in New York.
- Why
- Miltenberg argues that James’s prior statements of support for Jane Doe show bias. James’ office says the petition is premature and lacks merit.
Andrew Miltenberg, lawyer for Gillio Lopes
New York Attorney General’s office
Bias
Andrew Miltenberg, lawyer for Gillio Lopes
Miltenberg argues that James’s statements of support for the alleged victim before taking charge of the investigation demonstrate bias.
New York Attorney General’s office
The office has asked a judge to dismiss the petition, saying its claims are premature and lack merit.
Jane Doe alleges she was sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members at a party.
James was appointed to lead the ongoing criminal investigation into the allegations.
A lawyer for Lopes filed a petition seeking to block James from leading the investigation.
James’ office asked a judge to dismiss the petition.
At a campaign event in New York City, James said the Cornell matter was serious and that there would be more to say.
- Investigation lead
- Letitia James, New York state attorney general
- Fraternity
- Chi Phi at Cornell University
- Alleged incident
- October 2024
- Accused members
- Seven
- Petition filed for
- Gillio Lopes
- Criminal charges
- None filed according to the article
What people are saying
Cornell's very serious, and we'll have something to say about that too
We're gonna have something to say about that too, but today is about early elections.
premature