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

In Cornell University investigation, attorney calls for Letitia James to step down as special prosecutor

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.