New York, NY – New York Attorney General Letitia James, often hailed as a champion of justice and advocate for women, is facing mounting criticism over allegations of hypocrisy, selective enforcement, and protecting allies accused of misconduct. Known for her mantra “no one is above the law,” James’s actions are now under the microscope, raising questions about her integrity and commitment to transparency.

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James investigated by Justice Dept. - The Washington Post

 

 

Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Cover-Up Claims

In 2022, Ibrahim Khan, James’s chief of staff, faced accusations of sexual misconduct from at least two women. One accuser, Sophia Quintinar, alleged Khan forcibly kissed her at a 2021 Brooklyn fundraiser. Another woman claimed Khan drugged and assaulted her after a 2017 holiday party. Despite James’s public crusade against sexual harassment—most notably her 2021 investigation into former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which led to his resignation—her response to Khan’s allegations was markedly different.

 

AG Letitia James top aide Ibrahim Khan quits amid sex-harass complaints

 

 

 

Instead of launching a transparent investigation, notifying law enforcement, or holding a press conference, James’s office kept the matter quiet. On October 2, 2022, the allegations surfaced. The next day, Khan was instructed to work remotely and avoid staff contact. On October 4, an outside law firm, employing a former assistant attorney general from James’s office, was hired for a so-called “independent” review—raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Khan resigned in late November, after James secured re-election on November 8, 2022. Only then did James acknowledge the claims, issuing a statement claiming her office “treated this matter aggressively” and thanking the women who came forward.

Critics argue this was far from aggressive. Unlike her high-profile, 165-page report on Cuomo, which detailed corroborated claims of unwelcome touching and a hostile work environment, no public report, criminal charges, or law enforcement referral followed Khan’s case. Many see this as a calculated move to protect James’s political future during her re-election campaign, delaying public disclosure until votes were secured.

Mortgage Fraud Allegations

Adding to the controversy, James faces unverified claims of mortgage fraud. At a public event, a man confronted her, asking, “How does it feel to know that you will be in prison for mortgage fraud?” James dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and “discredited,” rallying supporters with cries of “we will not bow, we will not bend, we will survive.” Critics view this as manipulative, accusing her of framing personal legal troubles as a collective battle to deflect accountability. No formal charges or evidence of mortgage fraud have been substantiated, but the accusation fuels perceptions of ethical lapses.

 

 

Wigdor LLP Filed a Complaint against Attorney General Letitia James and Former Chief of Staff Ibrahim Kahn | Wigdor LLP

 

 

Public Trust Erodes

James built her reputation on transparency, aggressively pursuing justice against figures like Cuomo. Yet, her handling of Khan’s allegations—hiring a potentially biased firm, delaying public acknowledgment, and avoiding law enforcement involvement—contrasts sharply with her public stance. This perceived double standard has eroded trust, with many questioning whether James prioritizes justice or self-preservation.

As scrutiny intensifies, New Yorkers are left wondering: does Letitia James stand for the rule of law, or only when it suits her? Her legacy, once defined by bold leadership, now risks being overshadowed by allegations of hypocrisy and self-interest.