Cornell rape case defendant seeks to remove New York attorney general

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 20:19 · Archive

A defendant in a gang rape case at Cornell University is seeking to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, claiming bias.

Gillio Lopes, one of seven men accused of raping a former Cornell University student, has filed a petition in Albany County Supreme Court seeking the removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the case. Lopes and the other defendants are accused of gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house on 19 October 2024. The woman alleges she was 'plied with alcohol and drugs to the point of intoxication' and sexually assaulted over about seven hours. No criminal charges have been filed so far, though the woman has filed a civil lawsuit against the seven men and the university.

Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor last week, saying she did not have confidence in the county district attorney. Lopes' attorneys argue that James has shown bias because on 28 September, three days before her appointment, she posted on social media: 'What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I'm holding her in my heart and in my prayers.' The petition challenges both James' appointment and Governor Hochul's decision, using an Article 78 court filing typically used to challenge actions by state or local officials.

Cornell rape case defendant seeks to remove New York attorney general — Image: UPI

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How it is being reported

Man accused in Cornell rape case seeks New York AG' James' removalOne of the men accused of raping a former Cornell University student is seeking to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James from the case.UPI · 8 Oct, 20:04
Cornell probe defendant demands Letitia James be removed as special prosecutor, claiming attorney general 'unequivocally demonstrated a bias'One of the former fraternity brothers accused of gang raping a colleague is demanding New York Attorney General Letitia James be removed as a special prosecutor in the case.Daily Mail · 8 Oct, 07:13

In this story: Gillio Lopes · Letitia James · Kathy Hochul · Cornell University · Chi Phi · New York

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