Gillio Lopes, one of the individuals named in a civil sexual assault lawsuit involving a former Cornell University student, is requesting the removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James from her role as special prosecutor in the case. Lopes argues that James has shown bias and presumption of guilt towards the defendants.
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The civil complaint, which was filed in September by a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleges that she was drugged and gang-raped by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity during an incident that occurred in October 2024. Following the filing of the complaint, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James to oversee the investigation, citing a loss of confidence in the local authorities’ handling of the case.
In response to the legal proceedings, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten had released a statement explaining that his office had chosen not to pursue criminal charges, despite the initial report made by Doe to campus police. Van Houten noted inconsistencies between Doe’s statements to law enforcement and those in her civil complaint, which he argued complicated the matter.
The details of the complaint are alarming. Doe claims she was given ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic, prior to the alleged assault, which reportedly lasted for several hours. Evidence has surfaced indicating that during the incident, one fraternity member allegedly sent a Snapchat message to others, suggesting that there was “free p—-” available. This revelation has added further gravity to the accusations against the accused.
According to reports, Lopes was suspended for three semesters by Cornell University following an internal investigation related to the allegations. His legal representation firmly denies the accusations made in the civil lawsuit. In a petition filed recently in the New York State Supreme Court, Lopes has requested that the court void James’ appointment as prosecutor, arguing that she has demonstrated a clear bias against him and his co-defendants.
Lopes’ attorney, Andrew Miltenberg, cited a post made by James on social media just days before her appointment. In the post, James stated, “What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you.” Miltenberg maintains that this statement exemplifies a preconceived view from James regarding the case, implying that she believes Doe’s allegations without allowing for an impartial investigation.
The petition filed by Lopes contends that Attorney General James has predetermined the outcome of the case, thus compromising her ability to fulfil her role impartially. As a result, Lopes is requesting that Governor Hochul appoint an alternative prosecutor to take over the case. Lopes is not the only defendant to deny the allegations; two other men implicated in the lawsuit have also issued denials through their legal representatives.
At this stage, no criminal charges have been filed against anyone in relation to the allegations made by Jane Doe. The case has drawn significant media attention given the serious nature of the accusations and the involvement of high-profile individuals, such as the Attorney General.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in navigating the legal system, as well as the scrutiny that public officials and legal representatives must endure when high-profile cases arise. While Lopes seeks to have the special prosecutor replaced, the outcome of this request remains to be seen.
As this case develops, the impact on all parties involved continues to unfold. Survivors of sexual assault are encouraged to reach out for support, with various resources available, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or through online platforms like RAINN.org.