New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as the special prosecutor in the alleged rape case involving Cornell University. Hochul made her remarks on Friday, expressing concern over how authorities managed the case after the victim reported the incident to police. She highlighted that the victim had clearly stated she was raped, but this information was not included in the report sent by Cornell police to prosecutors. Hochul questioned the handling of the case by both the police and the Tompkins County District Attorney's office, stating, "In what world would the police learn from a victim that she'd been literally gang raped while she was intoxicated by five men in a fraternity house and not elevate those allegations to the district attorney?"
Hochul emphasized the need for accountability and stated that no institution should protect its reputation at the expense of a victim seeking justice. She also mentioned a gap in state law regarding consent and intoxication, indicating her intention to work with lawmakers to address this issue. Attorney General James committed to a thorough investigation, stating, "We will review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses and, if warranted, pursue prosecutions."
The governor expressed her dismay at the actions of the Cornell police, asserting that sending a partial record to the DA's office was a failure. She signed an executive order for James' appointment, citing newly released information that undermined confidence in the DA's ability to handle the case. The investigation is ongoing, and both Hochul and James declined to comment on whether the DA should resign at this stage.
The case involves allegations from a former Cornell student who claims she was drugged and raped by multiple men at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The student's attorney stated that two fraternity members were expelled following an internal investigation, while others faced lesser sanctions. The DA's office previously stated that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. The victim has since filed a lawsuit against the university and the seven men involved, alleging failure to protect her from the assault.