Second defendant in Cornell fraternity case seeks New York AGs recusal
Attorneys representing Winston Lee, one of the former fraternity members accused in the Cornell University sexual assault lawsuit, filed a motion Friday in criminal court seeking to disqualify New York Attorney General Letitia James from any future grand jury proceedings.The motion — filed by attorneys Teny Geragos, Marc Agnifilo and Jacob Kaplan — asked a judge to preclude James from conducting a criminal investigation into whether former Chi Phi brothers, including Lee, engaged in sexual assault in October 2024.Lee’s attorneys argued that the Tompkins County court has the authority to step in if necessary to ensure the fairness of a grand jury process.
They are asking for any future potential grand jury panelists to be polled on whether they are aware of James’ comments.They also asked for the court to schedule arguments on the issue.
In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for James’ office said: “In this and every investigation, the Office of the Attorney General is committed to conducting a comprehensive review of nothing but the facts, the evidence, and the law.”The filing follows a separate legal effort by lawyers for Cornell defendant Gillio Lopes, who earlier this week filed a civil court motion asking a judge for the same relief: the dismissal of James following her appointment as special counsel by Gov.Kathy Hochul.
Jane Doe’s civil suit was filed last month against seven fraternity brothers as well as Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity and her sorority.The lawsuit alleges that both Lee and Lopes did drugs off of her body and sexually assaulted her.
Lee and Lopes’ attorneys say their clients deny the accusations brought against them.Add to GoogleDefendant in Cornell rape case trying to get AG Letitia James removed as special prosecutor02:14Two of the other men named in the suit have also denied separate allegations against them.None of the men named have been criminally charged.
Cornell has said that it welcomes new invest...