Judge grills AGs office in Cornell sex assault case as ex-frat bros lawyer demands ouster over alleged bias
A Sullivan County judge heard oral arguments Thursday to determine whether New York Attorney General Letitia James should be removed as special prosecutor in the reopened criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University.The proceeding ended without an immediate ruling from Judge James Farrell.The hearing stems from a challenge filed by defense attorney Andrew Miltenberg, who represents Gillio Lopes, one of the men accused in the case.Lopes is one of seven former Chi Phi fraternity brothers who are accused in a lawsuit of drugging and raping a female Cornell student at their fraternity house in October 2024.New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James attend a press conference regarding an investigation into alleged sexual assault at Cornell University, in New York City, US, October 2, 2026.(REUTERS/Jeenah Moon)LETITIA JAMES FACES NEW PUSH TO BOOT HER FROM CORNELL RAPE PROBE OVER ALLEGED BIAS: COURT DOCUMENTSDefense counsel argued that social media comments posted by James prior to her official appointment as "special prosecutor" demonstrate a pre-existing bias and a presumption of guilt that undermines the prosecution's neutrality."What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable," James had posted on social media.
"I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers.To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone.
We stand with you."TISH JAMES CONFRONTED ON CAMERA OVER TRUMP'S ACCUSATION OF BIAS IN CORNELL RAPE CASEArguing before the court, Miltenberg pointed to those public declarations of support as proof of a pre-determined bias."Whether it affects all or just one, either the court determines the statements made by AG James take her out of contention to be neutral party reviewing case or not," Miltenberg argued, calling the initial public statements an "original sin" for the case.FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XNew York Attorney General Letitia James holds a press conference in the...