Letitia James accused of bias in Cornell Chi Phi sex assault case

Key Points:

• The attorney for a former Cornell Chi Phi fraternity member named in a sex abuse lawsuit criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James for expressing public support for the accuser before her appointment as independent prosecutor, raising concerns about bias.
• James had posted on social media that she "stands with" the accuser and showed empathy before being appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to lead the investigation, prompting calls for her recusal from defense attorneys and legal analysts.
• The accuser's lawsuit involves allegations of an October 2024 gang rape involving multiple fraternity members, with a complex legal history including a university investigation, appeals, and a decision by local prosecutors not to file charges based on a sworn statement.
• The defense attorney emphasized the need for a thorough and fair investigation, asserting that his client engaged in a consensual sexual interaction and calling for respect and dignity for all parties involved.
• Tompkins County District Attorney Matt Van Houten noted discrepancies between the accuser's sworn statement and more explicit allegations reported in police interviews, stating that new information has altered his view of the case.