Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Letitia James, the New York State attorney general, as special prosecutor to investigate a woman’s allegation that she was raped in a fraternity house near Cornell University in October 2024. The announcement followed public outcry over how authorities handled the case, with Hochul stating she lost faith in the Tompkins County district attorney’s ability to oversee it fairly.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, sued seven men, alleging she was plied with alcohol and drugs before being assaulted. She reported the incident to Cornell Police weeks later, but no charges were filed. Hochul said James would oversee the investigation in Tompkins County and could prosecute any offenses uncovered.
James affirmed the case would be investigated “fully and fairly.” Jane Doe’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, called the appointment “wonderful news,” saying he had zero confidence in the district attorney. Matthew Van Houten, the Tompkins County D. A., had previously said he would reopen the investigation but defended his office’s initial review, claiming the woman’s statement did not allege drugging or gang rape.
The case has renewed national attention on sexual assault on college campuses.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing