Story perspectives

Judge to Hear Petition Removing Letitia James

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

Letitia James, U.S. Attorney General, faces a petition to remove her as special prosecutor in the Cornell gang-rape case.
Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James on Oct 1 after losing confidence in the Tompkins County district attorney.
Attorney Andrew Miltenberg filed an Oct 7 petition for Gillio Lopes, claiming James’s Sep 28 X post shows bias.
Judge James Farrell, a Republican elected in 2019, will hear arguments Thursday, giving each side 30 minutes.

Summary

Justice Phaedra Perry-Bond ordered that plaintiff Jane Doe remain anonymous in the civil lawsuit.
Perry-Bond cited threats, anxiety, depression, and insomnia as reasons for anonymity.
The order warned that cyberstalking or cross-state threats could be prosecuted as federal crimes.
Defendants Diego Sarabia and six others filed motions to dismiss the claims.
Perry-Bond also ordered protection of defendants’ home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.

History

The Violence Against Women Act was signed on September 13, 1994 by President Bill Clinton, allocating $1.6 billion for victim services. Attorney General Janet Reno’s DOJ required courts to consider anonymity orders, later endorsed by the National Organization for Women. Today, New York Attorney General Letitia James faces a removal petition while Justice Phaedra Perry-Bond grants anonymity, reflecting VAWA’s focus on accountability and safety.

1 of 3

The Violence Against Women Act was signed on September 13, 1994 by President Bill Clinton, allocating $1.6 billion for victim services. Attorney General Janet Reno’s DOJ required courts to consider anonymity orders, later endorsed by the National Organization for Women. Today, New York Attorney General Letitia James faces a removal petition while Justice Phaedra Perry-Bond grants anonymity, reflecting VAWA’s focus on accountability and safety.

1 / 3