Cornell Fraternity Member Calls for NY AG Removal in Rape Case
Cornell student seeks removal of NY AG over alleged bias in gang rape case.
2 min read
A fraternity member accused in a 2024 Cornell University sexual assault lawsuit has requested the removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James from leading the investigation. The student, Gillo Lopes, called for James to be replaced due to comments she made on social media about the case after the allegations became public.
Legal Request and Alleged Bias
Lopes urged the court to appoint a different special prosecutor, claiming that James is biased. On September 28, James referred to the defendant, known as ‘Jane Doe,’ as a ‘survivor,’ which Lopes’ lawyer, Andrew Miltenberg, argued publicly characterized the alleged experience as an event that had already occurred.
Miltenberg told ‘CBS Mornings’ that his client was present with Jane Doe in the fraternity house but left the room before another member sent a group text offering ‘free’ sex to Chi Phi members. He also noted that Lopes did not see the messages until they were presented during a Title IX investigation.
Legal Defense and Evidence
Miltenberg emphasized that Lopes did not act remorsefully but should be judged on the evidence, not on allegations made in a lawsuit or repeated in the media. The attorney argued that the current allegations differ from what was previously reported and investigated by Cornell.
The case has sparked broader debates about campus violence and the role of law enforcement. Last month, Jane Doe filed a detailed federal civil lawsuit against Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven former members. This prompted the Tompkins County District Attorney to reopen the case, following her claims that she was drugged and gang-raped inside a fraternity house on October 19, 2024.
Broader Implications
The case has shaken Cornell’s Ithaca campus and reignited discussions about campus violence and the legal process. As the investigation continues, the legal and ethical implications of the case remain under intense scrutiny.
Source: OANN
