New York Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed as a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into a high-profile sexual assault case involving Cornell University, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday. The move follows mounting public outcry and intense scrutiny regarding how local law enforcement and university officials handled the allegations two years ago.
The investigation centers on a lawsuit filed last month by a former student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was raped, sexually assaulted, and drugged by members of the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. Despite reporting the incident to Cornell police shortly after it occurred, no criminal charges were brought against the seven fraternity members named in her suit.
Gov. Hochul stated that the decision to intervene was spurred by “newly released information” that raised “serious questions” about the original investigation. “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,” Hochul said, noting that she had lost faith in the initial handling of the case.
The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, previously defended his office’s decision not to pursue charges, claiming that the victim’s initial statement to police described her actions as “voluntary, conscious, and consensual.” However, that narrative has been sharply contested by the victim’s legal team.
Thomas Guiffra, the attorney representing Jane Doe, lauded the appointment of Attorney General James, stating that he and his client had “no faith in DA Van Houten’s ability or desire to actively investigate and prosecute this case.” Guiffra pointed to recent disclosures, including reports that Van Houten allegedly failed to review a transcript of Doe’s police interview in which she explicitly stated, “I am 100% certain I was raped.” Van Houten has countered that his office was never provided with that specific transcript by campus police.
As special prosecutor, James now holds the authority to conduct a new, independent investigation, present evidence to a grand jury, and pursue criminal charges if warranted.
“Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly,” James said in a statement following the announcement. “The Governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.”
Cornell University, which has already barred the local Chi Phi chapter from campus, issued a statement Thursday night expressing its support for the Governor’s decision to involve the Attorney General’s office. The national Chi Phi organization has previously called the allegations “deeply concerning” but has declined to discuss specifics due to the ongoing litigation.
District Attorney Van Houten did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the transfer of the case. For Jane Doe and her supporters, the appointment marks a pivotal turn in a two-year struggle for institutional accountability.
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