RismadarVoice Reporters
October 2, 2026
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to conduct a fresh investigation into sexual assault allegations involving a former Cornell University student, saying the woman was failed by institutions expected to protect her.
The decision comes nearly two years after the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue criminal charges over the allegations.
Hochul said she signed an executive order transferring oversight of the case to James after recently disclosed information raised questions about how the initial investigation was handled.
“I will not allow anyone to sweep this case under the rug,” Hochul said.
James said her office would independently review the available evidence, speak with witnesses and determine whether criminal charges were warranted.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, alleges that she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell University in October 2024.
She subsequently filed a civil lawsuit naming seven fraternity members as defendants. The allegations remain contested and have not resulted in criminal convictions.
Hochul questioned how the initial investigation was handled, including whether prosecutors received sufficient information about the woman’s allegations.
She also criticised the decision not to pursue charges and raised concerns about whether prosecutors adequately interviewed the accuser and other relevant individuals.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has said his office relied on information supplied by Cornell University Police when assessing the case and concluded that the allegations presented to prosecutors at the time did not establish a criminal offence.
Following Hochul’s announcement, however, Van Houten said he supported the appointment of James and would cooperate with the renewed investigation.
He also said it had become apparent that his office had not received the complete picture from the university.
According to the civil lawsuit, Jane Doe reported the alleged assault to Cornell University Police in November 2024, about three weeks after the alleged incident. A sworn statement was subsequently forwarded to the district attorney’s office.
Questions have since emerged over whether prosecutors received the full account provided by the woman during the university investigation.
Cornell University has defended its handling of the 2024 investigation but said it supports the appointment of a special prosecutor and an independent external review of its response to the allegations.
Hochul also called for changes to New York law governing sexual assault cases involving voluntary intoxication, arguing that intoxication should not prevent appropriate legal scrutiny of alleged sexual violence.
The woman’s civil lawsuit also names her sorority and a bar she visited before the alleged incident, accusing them of negligence.
James said her office would now conduct a comprehensive review of the evidence and determine whether there is a legal basis for criminal prosecution.
The appointment of a special prosecutor does not establish the guilt of any person named in the allegations. The claims remain subject to investigation and ongoing civil litigation.
