NY AG Letitia James protected chief of staff against sexual harassment allegations, lawsuit alleges

A Thursday lawsuit alleges that New York Democratic Attorney General Letitia James shielded former chief of staff Ibrahim Khan from sexual harassment allegations. 

Former aide Sofia Quintanar brought the suit, claiming that despite Khan's alleged "propensity to sexually harass and to commit sexual assault and batteries," James did not dismiss him, according to the New York Daily News. Quintanar states in the suit that Khan forcefully shoved his tongue down her throat at a fundraiser in 2021, per the New York Post.

Quintanar further alleges that, despite an ongoing investigation, James permitted Khan to resign under circumstances that would likely minimize the damage to his reputation, saying "[the] same day the investigators refused to provide Quintanar with an update — Attorney General James permitted Khan to resign from his position, while being paid through the end of the year, making it appear as if Khan was leaving his post naturally before the start of Attorney General James's next term in office."

In a statement, Quintanar expressed concerns the suit could impact her career, but said she hoped her actions could inspire other victims of abuse to come forward.

"While I fear the effect that this might have on my career, I know that fear should never stand in the way of doing what is right. I hope I can give other survivors the courage to find their voice and hold those in positions of power responsible for their actions when they demonstrate the belief that they are above the law," read the statement, per the Post.

James won reelection in November against Republican Michael Henry. She had launched a gubernatorial bid in October of 2021 though her campaign barely lasted longer than one month before she opted to seek reelection to her current office instead.