Hochul Names Letitia James as Special Prosecutor in Cornell Case
Hochul said the attorney general will oversee the probe and present evidence to a grand jury if warranted after questions about the local investigation.
- On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into rape allegations at Cornell University, citing lost faith in the local district attorney's handling.
- Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten previously declined criminal charges, claiming he had not seen the victim's detailed police interview transcript until this week when CBS News revealed details from it.
- Jane Doe alleges she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity after being drugged with ketamine in October 2024, later telling police, "I can say with 100% confidence I was raped."
- Under public pressure, Cornell agreed Wednesday to bring in outside lawyers for an independent investigation, while Van Houten announced he would reopen the case based on newly revealed information.
- This case has roiled the Ivy League campus, with the woman's account shifting from an embarrassment to a formal allegation pursued through a lawsuit filed in the university, fraternity, and others.
100 Articles
100 Articles
HOCHUL APPOINTS JAMES AS SPECIAL PROSECUTOR IN CORNELL SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order naming Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the Cornell sexual assault case, citing serious questions about the Tompkins County DA's handling and a loss of faith in his ability to pursue the matter. The move comes as the DA confirms a fresh look at allegations he declined to prosecute in 2024.
Hochul appoints Letitia James as special prosecutor in Cornell gang rape case
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor for the reopened gang rape case at Cornell University on Thursday. The governor made the move days after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten revived the case based on new evidence filed by the alleged sexual assault victim. With her […]
Rocky Mountain Outlook
New York's governor says state's AG will oversee Cornell rape investigation, removing case from DA
ITHACA, N.Y.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
