Gov. Hochul Appoints AG James As Special Prosecutor On Cornell Rape Case

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the investigation into an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University, saying newly released information has undermined her confidence in the local district attorney’s ability to handle the case.

Hochul issued an executive order Thursday giving James’ office authority to investigate the allegations and, if warranted, prosecute any offenses and present evidence to a grand jury.

“Newly released information continues to raise serious questions about the investigation conducted by the Cornell Police Department and the decision by the Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten not to prosecute an alleged sexual assault on Cornell University’s campus in October 2024,” Hochul said. Hochul said the developments have “undercut my faith, and the public’s faith,” in District Attorney ‘s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute the case. James said her office is prepared to conduct an investigation “guided by the facts and the law.”

“Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly,” James said. “The Governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.” The appointment comes after Van Houten reopened the case in September amid renewed scrutiny stemming from a civil lawsuit filed by the woman. His office declined to pursue criminal charges following the initial investigation in 2024.

The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court filings, alleges she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 after being provided ketamine, marijuana and alcohol. Her lawsuit names seven students, including Scott Norris of Canandaigua, along with the fraternity, Cornell and others.

No criminal charges have been filed against the men in connection with the allegations. Attorneys for multiple defendants have denied the allegations, and Norris has denied participating in any sexual activity or drug use.

Van Houten has said the woman’s initial account to police did not include allegations that she had been drugged, was incapacitated beyond the ability to consent or was forced into sex. He later announced his office would revisit the case and present evidence to a grand jury.

Source: 13 WHAM