Second defendant in Cornell fraternity case seeks New York AG’s recusal

Key Points:

• Attorneys for Winston Lee, a former Cornell fraternity member accused in a sexual assault lawsuit, filed a motion to disqualify New York Attorney General Letitia James from future grand jury proceedings, citing concerns over impartiality due to James' prior public comments on the case.
• The motion requests the court to poll potential grand jury panelists about their awareness of James’ statements and to schedule arguments on the disqualification issue, arguing the court must ensure fairness in the investigation.
• This legal move follows a similar request from lawyers for another defendant, Gillio Lopes, who also seeks James' removal after her appointment as special counsel by Governor Kathy Hochul.
• The civil lawsuit, filed by a woman under the pseudonym Jane Doe, accuses seven fraternity members and Cornell University of sexual assault and drugging; all accused men deny the allegations, and no criminal charges have been filed to date.
• Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten previously declined to press charges, but James’ office is conducting a separate investigation, while defense attorneys argue that James’ public support for the accuser compromises her ability to fairly oversee the case.