New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday evening that she has appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to investigate the sexual assault allegations made by a former Cornell University student. The case involves claims that the student was drugged and raped at a fraternity house near campus in October 2024.
In a statement posted on social media, Hochul said that “newly released information” raises “serious questions” about the original investigation conducted by the Cornell Police Department and the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office. As a result, she issued an executive order granting James the authority to investigate the incident and, if warranted, prosecute any offenses and present evidence to a grand jury.
“For this reason, I have issued an executive order appointing Attorney General James as special prosecutor in this case,” Hochul said. “As special prosecutor, the Attorney General will investigate this incident and, if warranted, prosecute any offenses arising from that investigation and present evidence to a grand jury.”
James responded by saying her office does not take the responsibility “lightly.” She added, “As our state's Chief Law Enforcement Officer, I stand ready to lead a process guided by the facts and the law.” The move follows mounting scrutiny over how the case was handled, including calls from Senator Schumer for an independent review.
The accuser, identified in a lawsuit filed last month as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and raped over several hours by seven men at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She reported the incident to Cornell police weeks later, but no charges were filed. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said charges were not brought because the six-page report provided by campus police at the time omitted allegations that she was “drugged against her will or gang raped.”
Attorneys for the woman have disputed that account and have accused the initial investigation of being inadequate. The case has drawn national attention, with criticism from lawmakers like Representative Slotkin over the delayed accountability.
Hochul emphasized the need for an impartial and thorough examination. “The young woman at the center of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued,” she said. “This action will ensure that the matter is fully and thoroughly investigated without conflict or bias, and handled independently with the rigor that this matter demands.”
James's appointment marks a significant escalation in the state's involvement, and her office is expected to review evidence including Snapchat messages that have become central to the case. The development also comes as new evidence has prompted a grand jury review.
Political observers note that Hochul's decision could have implications for her reelection prospects, as she faces scrutiny over her handling of public safety issues. The governor has previously demanded an outside probe of Cornell's actions, and this appointment fulfills that promise.
