Winston Lee Seeks Letitia James's Removal From 2024 Cornell Assault Probe
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 10
Winston Lee Seeks Letitia James's Removal From 2024 Cornell Assault Probe
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 10
Summary
Thursday's Tompkins County motion made Winston Lee the second accused man this week to ask a judge to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James from the reopened Cornell criminal investigation.
Lee's lawyers argued James prejudiced potential grand jurors by publicly backing the accuser, citing Sept. 28 posts calling Jane Doe a survivor and what she endured horrific.
The case stems from Jane Doe's lawsuit alleging seven Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted her in 2024; Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal inquiry the same day as James's posts.
Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed James special prosecutor days later, saying she had lost faith in Van Houten, while James's office said she remains committed to reviewing only facts, evidence and law.