Letitia James Faces Ethics Complaint in Cornell Investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James faces an ethics complaint seeking her recusal or removal as special prosecutor in an investigation involving seven Cornell University fraternity members. The National Legal and Policy Center filed the nine-page complaint with New York’s Attorney Grievance Committee, arguing that a social-media post James made before her appointment compromised her impartiality. The complaint focuses on a September 28, 2026, message in which James expressed support for the woman who has accused members of the university’s Chi Phi fraternity of sexual assault. James was appointed special prosecutor on October 1 by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The complaint argues that James’s post, made before she took charge of the investigation, showed she had prejudged the allegations. Those claims are allegations in the filing, not findings by the committee. The National Legal and Policy Center asks the committee to require James to recuse herself or remove her from the case.