Cornell Rape Case Prosecutor Faces Recusal Call Over Social Media Posts
Defense attorney argues New York AG Letitia James' public comments compromise investigation's integrity.
A lawyer for one of seven men accused in an alleged gang rape at Cornell University has requested that the special prosecutor overseeing the case, New York Attorney General Letitia James, recuse herself. The defense attorney cited public comments James made on social media as grounds for disqualification, arguing they cast doubt on the investigation's "integrity and independence."
In a social media post on September 28, James stated that "what this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable" and expressed solidarity with survivors, saying, "we stand with you."
The allegations, detailed in a lawsuit against seven men and the university, have caused significant unrest on the New York state campus. Hundreds of students and faculty members have protested, and the case has drawn national attention. The lawsuit accuses the university of mishandling the incident, which reportedly occurred in October 2024. The university's administration is facing scrutiny over its response.
The Cornell Faculty Senate is scheduled to vote next week on a resolution of no confidence in the university administration. While such a vote is largely symbolic, it indicates faculty discontent and aims to pressure leadership.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor last week to investigate the alleged rape and the initial responses from law enforcement and the university. The lawsuit's plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was drugged and raped by the men for several hours at a fraternity party and accuses the university of failing to protect her.
The defense lawyer contended that James' public statements conflict with the necessity of "independently evaluating the evidence." In a statement to CBS News, the lawyer clarified that this was not an accusation of corruption or bad faith but argued that an "avoidable question" now surrounds the investigation and that voluntary recusal would resolve it.
During a press conference addressing concerns about impartiality, Governor Hochul stated that James would "follow the facts" and "examine the evidence and go wherever it leads." She added that James would pursue charges if the evidence supported them.