Four Cornell defendants join push to remove Letitia James from investigation

Four men accused in an alleged gang rape at Cornell University have joined a legal effort to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James from the investigation. Their lawyers argue that remarks James made about the case before her appointment raise concerns about whether she can investigate it impartially.

Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor in early October. The role is to investigate the incident, prosecute any offences if warranted and present evidence to a grand jury; seven men are accused in the case.