AG Letitia James Named Special Prosecutor in Cornell Assault Case
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed to serve as special prosecutor in the Cornell University sexual assault investigation, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday.
Governor Hochul Cites Faltering Public Faith in Prior Review
Governor Hochul stated in a formal release that newly released information continues to raise serious questions regarding the initial inquiry. This fresh evidence reportedly undermined both her own faith and the public’s confidence in the handling of the case. The investigation centers on a former Cornell student who filed a lawsuit on September 16, alleging that she was raped, sexually assaulted, and plied with drugs by members of Chi Phi fraternity in 2024.
Under the terms of the gubernatorial appointment, Attorney General James will independently investigate the incident, present evidence to a grand jury if warranted, and prosecute any resulting offenses. “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.
District Attorney Defends Decision Not to File Charges
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten defended his office’s initial decision, maintaining that his staff found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges in 2024. Van Houten asserted that the woman’s initial statement to police described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual. Following the governor’s announcement, Van Houten indicated his office would review the matter again, though he did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday evening.
Plaintiff’s attorney Thomas Guiffra strongly praised the appointment of James, stating that he and his client, identified as Jane Doe, held no faith in District Attorney Van Houten’s ability to fairly pursue the case. Guiffra pointed to recent disclosures regarding a transcript of Doe’s interview with campus police where she stated she was 100 percent certain she was raped, noting that Van Houten claimed his office never received that specific transcript during the initial 2024 review.
Cornell and Chi Phi Respond to Independent Review
The Chi Phi national fraternity stated on September 18 that it could not discuss specific allegations during pending litigation, while describing the claims as deeply concerning. The local Cornell chapter has been barred from campus operations while legal proceedings advance.
Cornell University confirmed that it agreed to Governor Hochul’s call for an independent review and backed the assignment of the case to the state attorney general’s office. Attorney General James remarked that her office accepts the responsibility with absolute seriousness, emphasizing that every New Yorker deserves a fair and thorough investigation when reporting a crime.