New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday that her office has initiated an active criminal investigation surrounding a reported gang rape at Cornell University that took place in 2024.
James made this announcement after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as a special prosecutor for the case, emphasizing that every New Yorker should feel secure in knowing their reports of crimes will be taken seriously. “It is vital that victims are truly heard,” she stated.
She expressed her commitment to a thorough process that would rely on the evidence and the law. “In the coming months, we will gather facts, conduct witness interviews, and, if necessary, pursue prosecutions,” she said, acknowledging the public’s desire for answers—something she shares.
Hochul’s executive order to appoint James as the special prosecutor came after concerns about the Cornell Police Department’s investigation and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s choice not to press charges related to the alleged sexual assault from October 2024.
A woman, referred to only as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit in September accusing multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell of sexually assaulting her. In her complaint, she alleges that she was given alcohol and drugs without consent, leading to her assault by fraternity members.
Previously, the Tompkins County District Attorney had decided not to pursue criminal charges. They noted, however, that Jane Doe’s prior statement did not claim she was drugged or gang-raped but rather implied her involvement in the drug use and sexual activities was consensual. The District Attorney’s office mentioned that they could not base decisions on future lawsuits.
After the press conference, District Attorney Matthew Van Houten expressed his support for James, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation. “It’s evident that we weren’t provided with complete information by the University. Our focus must remain on the victims,” he stated.
Cornell University also supported the appointment of a special prosecutor and emphasized its commitment to a thorough review of how it handled the case.
Hochul pointed out discrepancies in the accounts provided to prosecutors, asserting that Jane Doe clearly communicated her experience of being raped, but this wasn’t captured in the reports sent by Cornell police.
She questioned how such serious allegations could be minimized, noting the absence of follow-ups from the District Attorney’s office after receiving the police account.
Van Houten responded, claiming he had been unaware of the inaccuracies in the original statement and that he had reached out to Jane Doe’s attorneys after the lawsuit to better understand the differences between the accounts.
During the press conference, Hochul informed the public that alongside James’ investigation, Cornell University has also reopened its inquiry into the matter.
