Richards says James's office remains committed to an independent Cornell investigation
Alexis RichardsCommunications director for the New York attorney general
Richards says the office has contacted the district attorney, the complainant's lawyer and prospective outside counsel. She says the investigation remains independent and guided by facts and law.
“Since then, OAG has spoken with the Tompkins County District Attorney, Jane Doe’s attorney, and several candidates for outside counsel to support the investigation. The DA has agreed to cooperate, and OAG remains committed to a thorough and independent investigation guided only by the facts and the law.”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Was Kathy Hochul right to appoint Letitia James as special prosecutor in the Cornell case?
Governor Kathy Hochul appoints Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the alleged October 2024 sexual assault at Cornell and pursue prosecution if warranted. Hochul says an independent investigation is needed after questions about the campus police and local district attorney's handling. John Ziegler denounces the appointment, while Benjamin Ryan questions whether James's earlier public statement compromises her impartiality.
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
Original reporting quotes critics and spokespeople on the search for outside counsel. The office confirms a search and discussions, not a completed appointment.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Richards also says the office began seeking outside counsel before critics called for James's removal.
After the quotation
The report then quotes James's campaign spokesperson responding to criticism from James's Republican opponent.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The matter under scrutiny is James's appointment and whether it can deliver an independent investigation. Richards says the office remains committed to a thorough and independent inquiry, which supports the appointment's stated purpose.
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The Dispute Index. "Richards says James's office remains committed to an independent Cornell investigation". First published: 2026-10-27. Last updated: 2026-10-27. https://disputeindex.com/events/6927-richards-says-the-office-has-contacted-the-district