by Nicholas Ballasy
New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing a bar ethics complaint over comments she made about the alleged sexual assault at Cornell University involving seven fraternity members, raising questions about her impartiality as special prosecutor.
According to the New York Post, the National Legal and Policy Center filed a nine-page complaint arguing that James’ public expression of support for the alleged victim, posted shortly before her appointment to the case, could undermine confidence in a fair investigation.
The complaint calls for James to recuse herself or be removed from the case.
Two of the accused men have also sought her removal, arguing that her remarks suggest she had prejudged the allegations.
James has defended her comments, saying she showed “empathy.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor.
Hochul said, “Newly released information continues to raise serious questions about the investigation conducted by the Cornell Police Department and the decision by the Tompkins County District Attorney not to prosecute an alleged sexual assault on Cornell University’s campus in October 2024. This has, in turn, undercut my faith, and the public’s faith, in the District Attorney’s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute the case at this time.”
“The young woman at the center of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued. This action will ensure that the matter is fully and thoroughly investigated without conflict or bias, and handled independently with the rigor that this matter demands,” she added.
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Nicholas Ballasy is a reporter for Just the News. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
Photo “Letitia James” by New York Attorney General. Background Photo “Cornell University Campus” by LBM1948. CC BY-SA 4.0.
