Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that New York Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed as special prosecutor to lead a new criminal investigation into a case involving alleged gang rape at Cornell University. The appointment follows a lawsuit filed by a 20‑year‑old sophomore, identified in court as Jane Doe, who claims she was drugged and raped by several men at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19 2024.
Doe alleges that she was incapacitated by illegal drugs and alcohol and that the assault was carried out by five men. She reported the incident to campus police, but no criminal charges were filed. The lawsuit names seven men, the fraternity, the university and her sorority. Cornell’s Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct conducted a Title IX investigation that began in November 2024, held hearings in May 2025, and ultimately issued sanctions including expulsions and suspensions.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten defended his office’s decision not to file charges, though he has signaled the possibility of reopening the case amid growing calls for accountability. The lawsuit and the governor’s statement highlighted perceived failures by police and prosecutors to act on Doe’s report.
James said she is ready to lead a process New Yorkers can trust, guided by facts and law, and will present evidence to a grand jury if necessary. The case has prompted the governor to close a state‑law gap that makes it harder to charge rape when the victim was intoxicated, and lawmakers are expected to address the issue when the legislature reconvenes in January.
