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4 Cornell lawsuit defendants join effort to oust Letitia James from criminal investigation
Compiled Nov 5
What happened
Four men named in a former Cornell University student's lawsuit are joining a co-defendant's effort to block New York Attorney General Letitia James from leading a reopened criminal investigation
The detail
The effort seeks James' removal because of social media posts she made condemning the alleged assault and expressing support for the accuser, prior to her involvement
The detail
James appointed Jacqueline Kelly, a former federal prosecutor who oversaw sex crimes cases against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, as outside counsel for the investigation
The detail
A judge heard arguments last week on one accused man's request to remove James but withheld ruling pending whether other defendants joined
How it unfolded
2024: Alleged gang rape at a Cornell fraternity party occurs · 2024: Local district attorney declines to bring charges · September: Jane Doe files lawsuit alleging the rape · Sept. 28: James posts on social media expressing support for the accuser · Oct. 1: Gov. Hochul appoints James as special prosecutor overseeing the criminal investigation · Oct. 8: James addresses her social media comments at a debate
By the numbers
4 men · 6 other defendants · 2024 year · Sept. 28 date · Oct. 1 date
Still unresolved
James' office declined to comment