Four men accused in a Cornell University gang rape lawsuit have joined a legal effort to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James from the reopened criminal investigation, court filings show.
James appointed a former federal prosecutor with sex crimes experience to lead investigative steps, including evidence gathering and witness interviews, as the removal petition advances.
The development follows a judge’s request for confirmation that all defendants support the removal effort before issuing a ruling. The men’s agreement to join the petition was filed Thursday, expanding the scope of the challenge to James’ involvement in the case.
Core Facts of the Removal Effort
- Four defendants in the lawsuit joined a co-defendant’s petition seeking James’ removal, citing her pre-investigation social media posts that condemned the alleged assault and expressed support for the accuser.
- The petition argues James’ prior statements demonstrate potential bias, undermining her ability to oversee an impartial investigation.
James Names Outside Counsel for Investigation
On Wednesday, James announced the appointment of Jacqueline Kelly, a former federal prosecutor who previously oversaw sex crimes cases, including those against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Kelly and her team will handle evidence collection, witness interviews, and other investigative tasks, reporting directly to James.
In a statement, James expressed confidence in Kelly’s ability to conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation, emphasizing her expertise in sex crimes prosecutions.
Legal Proceedings and Defendant Responses
A judge heard arguments last week on one defendant’s request to remove James but deferred a decision until determining whether the remaining defendants supported the effort. The judge set a Thursday deadline for the defendants’ legal teams to confirm their positions.
Of the seven men named in the lawsuit, four have now joined the removal petition through their attorneys. Two defendants did not have legal representation and did not respond to the petition, while another’s position remained unconfirmed in court filings.
James’ office declined to comment on the removal effort or the ongoing investigation.
Background of the Case
The investigation stems from a September 2024 lawsuit filed by a former Cornell student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was gang-raped at a fraternity party in 2024. The lawsuit names seven men, the fraternity, her sorority, and Cornell University as defendants.
Jane Doe’s complaint states that some men pressured her to use ketamine and marijuana while she consumed alcohol, leaving her too intoxicated to consent. The lawsuit seeks damages for alleged harm suffered as a result of the incident.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Kelly’s team is expected to proceed with evidence gathering and witness interviews under James’ oversight. The removal petition’s outcome could impact the trajectory of the investigation, depending on the judge’s ruling.
The case remains under active legal review, with no confirmed timeline for further updates.