NY AG Letitia James to Hire Outside Counsel for 'Cornell 7' Investigation
The decision comes after criticism that James made prejudicial comments about the case.
New York Attorney General Letitia James intends to hire an outside lawyer to investigate the seven Cornell University fraternity brothers accused of rape, according to sources. This move follows criticism that James made public statements showing bias toward the accuser.
The Attorney General's office has reportedly interviewed former federal prosecutors for the role, with powerhouse lawyer Maggie Gandy identified as a leading candidate. Gandy, a former Brooklyn federal prosecutor specializing in organized crime, is now a partner at Corva Law LLP, which focuses on civil rights, sexual misconduct, and criminal defense.
James had previously posted on social media expressing sympathy for the accuser, writing, "What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable." This statement was made days before Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor for the case on October 1.
Critics, including former President Trump, have called for James to recuse herself, arguing that her prior comments indicated bias and questioned her ability to conduct a fair investigation. Norman Siegel, a civil rights lawyer, commented that James's decision to seek outside counsel is prudent, comparing the situation to a police commissioner commenting on misconduct before an investigation is complete. He emphasized the need for fairness and impartiality in high-profile cases.
James Quinn, a former prosecutor in the Queens District Attorney's Office, suggested that Hochul made an error in appointing James given her previous statements, and that James should have recused herself. Quinn stated that hiring an independent lawyer is "the only thing to do."
The cost to taxpayers for contracting out this investigation is currently unclear. In 2021, James hired outside counsel Joon Kim and Anne Clark to investigate sexual harassment allegations against then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, a probe for which the state ultimately paid over $3.5 million.
Republican Saritha Komatireddy, running against James for Attorney General, criticized the decision, stating it shows James is "not qualified to prosecute this case and not qualified to be the attorney general of this state." She asserted that "New York needs now is a prosecutor as attorney general."
The case gained national attention after a plaintiff identified as "Jane Doe" filed a lawsuit alleging that seven fraternity brothers raped her at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell in October 2024. All seven accused individuals have denied any wrongdoing.