New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday her commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation regarding the seven individuals accused of sexually assaulting an unnamed woman during a frat party at Cornell University.
This investigation follows a recent lawsuit against Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and other defendants that has brought the university’s approach to handling sexual assault cases into focus on a national level.
James, speaking to reporters, has faced scrutiny regarding her impartiality but assures that the investigation will rely strictly on factual evidence rather than political influences.
Former President Donald Trump, a known critic of James, has also raised concerns about her capacity to oversee an objective inquiry. He made these statements when asked about Governor Hochul’s decision to appoint James as a special prosecutor for the case.
Trump commented, “Letitia James is a corrupt person. She’s totally corrupt, and I can’t imagine it. I feel badly for whoever she’s looking at because they won’t get a fair shake.”
Attorneys representing two of the defendants have sought to have James removed from the case, citing a social media post that they claim demonstrates her bias. Andrew Miltenberg and Teny Geragos argue that James’ actions show she is “unquestionably biased.”
In fact, just days before her appointment by Hochul, James publicly expressed her support for the alleged victim, referenced in court documents as Jane Doe. On September 28, she wrote on X, “What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you.”
Hochul continues to support James, expressing confidence that the attorney general will objectively assess the case. She stated she trusts James to “look at the facts, examine the record and draw the proper conclusions.”
James has denied any accusations of having prejudged the situation, explaining during a political debate that her remarks were meant to show “empathy,” maintaining that “politics stops at the door” of her office.
The case revolves around claims made by a Cornell student, who alleges she was gang raped at a Chi Phi fraternity party in 2024. After the incident, Cornell University Police looked into the matter and forwarded her sworn statement to the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office. However, prosecutors chose not to pursue charges, determining that the evidence collected was insufficient under New York state law.
Cornell also conducted a Title IX investigation, which resulted in disciplinary measures against several defendants, including the expulsion of two students and the suspension of two others.
