Cornell defendant challenges New York attorney general's appointment as special prosecutor
Gillio Lopes, one of seven men named in a civil lawsuit over an alleged sexual assault at Cornell, has filed a petition to block New York Attorney General Letitia James from serving as special prosecutor. The petition contends that James has already signaled she believes the defendants are guilty. Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed James to investigate the allegations and decide whether criminal charges should be filed.
Gillio Lopes, one of seven men named in a civil complaint by a former Cornell student, asked an Albany County Supreme Court on Wednesday to prevent Attorney General Letitia James from acting as special prosecutor. His Article 78 filing names James and Gov. Kathy Hochul and argues James has already shown bias against the defendants. Lopes denies assaulting the woman.
The lawsuit alleges she was given alcohol and sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. Hochul appointed James after criticizing the Tompkins County district attorney's earlier review, which found no criminal conduct and brought no charges; he later reopened it. The fraternity remains suspended.
The dispute could shape public confidence in how high-profile sexual assault allegations are handled, affecting complainants, accused students, universities, and state officials. If the challenge delays or alters James's role, it may complicate the criminal review and intensify debate over prosecutorial independence. The outcome may also influence how New York appoints special prosecutors in politically sensitive cases.