NY Governor Appoints AG James Special Prosecutor in Cornell Rape Case
Governor Hochul cited concerns over the initial investigation and prosecution decision by local authorities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024. Hochul issued an executive order on Thursday to assign the case to James.
"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 not to prosecute an alleged sexual assault on Cornell University's campus," Hochul stated. "This has, in turn, undercut my faith, and the public's faith, in the District Attorney's ability to effectively investigate and prosecute the case at this time.”
A student alleged that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted her in 2024. The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, had announced five days prior that he would reopen the investigation into the incident.
In response to her appointment, James stated, “Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly. The Governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.” She added that she is “ready to lead a process New Yorkers can trust, guided by the facts and the law.”
A photograph of New York State Attorney General Letitia James speaking during a press conference on artificial intelligence on September 21, 2026, in New York City is associated with this story. The photo was taken by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images.