New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that she has issued an executive order appointing Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor for the alleged sexual assault that occurred at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024. The appointment addresses growing concerns regarding the handling of the case by local authorities.
In a statement, Hochul cited newly released information that has intensified scrutiny over the initial probe. She expressed that the findings have undermined both her own confidence and that of the public in the Tompkins County District Attorney’s capacity to investigate and prosecute the case effectively at this time.
“Newly released information continues to raise serious questions about the investigation conducted by the Cornell Police Department and the decision by the Tompkins County District Attorney not to prosecute an alleged sexual assault on Cornell University’s campus,” Hochul said.
The decision comes five days after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced he would reopen the investigation. James stated that her office is prepared to lead a transparent process rooted in facts and law. She emphasized that every New Yorker deserves to know that crimes are investigated fully and fairly, noting that her office does not take the responsibility lightly.
The case centers on allegations brought by a student who claimed she was sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. Recent documents obtained by ABC News detail the account provided by the accuser, identified as Jane Doe, to university investigators regarding the events of that night. Cornell students have also held public hearings to criticize the university’s handling of the situation.
Letitia James stepping up is reassuring. We need transparency in cases like this, period.
I wonder how this will affect university policies moving forward. Cornell needs to change its approach entirely.
Why did it take so long to appoint a special prosecutor? The initial investigation should have been enough.
Finally! It is frustrating when local authorities seem too close to the situation to handle it fairly.
Good move by Hochul. This case needed an outside eye to ensure real accountability for everyone involved.