In Cornell University investigation, attorney calls for Letitia James to step down as special prosecutor
Updated on: October 5, 2026 / 8:43 PM EDT / CBS New York
TL;DR
- Andrew Miltenberg, attorney for Gillio Lopes, is calling for Attorney General Letitia James to step down as special prosecutor.
- Miltenberg believes James should recuse herself due to her previous social media posts about the sexual assault case at Cornell University.
- James was appointed special prosecutor by Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Miltenberg stated his concern is about confidence in the integrity and independence of the investigation, not political or personal reasons.
- He argues James' prior public statements could be seen as expressing a view on the case before independently evaluating evidence.
- Hochul expressed full confidence in James to follow the facts and pursue charges if the evidence supports them.
- James declined to comment on her social media posts.
- Miltenberg suggested that voluntary recusal would remove an avoidable question hanging over the investigation.
- He emphasized that the investigation should focus on facts and law, not politics or public pressure.
- Miltenberg previously stated his client unequivocally denies the allegations against him.