Kathy Hochul appoints Letitia James as special prosecutor in Cornell fraternity rape case

What prompted the appointment

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that she had lost confidence in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s ability to investigate the alleged gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity. In a statement she said newly released information “continues to raise serious questions” about the Cornell Police Department’s investigation and the DA’s decision not to prosecute the October 2024 assault. The governor therefore issued an executive order appointing New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.

Who will lead the probe

Attorney General Letitia James, who heads the state’s top law‑enforcement office, issued a brief statement saying she is “ready to lead a process New Yorkers can trust, guided by the facts and the law.” James added that every New Yorker deserves a full and fair investigation when a crime is reported. Under the special‑prosecutor arrangement, James’ office will oversee any further fact‑finding and, if warranted, present the case to a grand jury.

Background of the case

The alleged assault was first reported to Cornell campus police in November 2024. The plaintiff – identified in court filings only as Jane Doe – alleges she was drugged and then sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. A civil lawsuit filed last month claims the men gave her alcohol and a controlled substance, then invited others to participate while she was incapacitated. The lawsuit also says one fraternity member sent a group message encouraging others to join.

The local investigation was closed without charges in 2024, but the civil suit revived public scrutiny. Van Houten reopened the criminal probe earlier this week, saying he would review the new information in the lawsuit. He defended his earlier decision, noting the woman’s initial police account did not mention being drugged or unable to consent.

Reactions and next steps

Students and community members gathered at a Cornell forum on Wednesday demanding transparency. Speakers criticised university President Michael I. Kotlikoff and called for reforms to Greek‑life oversight. A Cornell spokesperson told ABC News the university would bring in outside lawyers to review its handling of the allegations.

Governor Hochul said the appointment “ensures the matter is fully and thoroughly investigated without conflict or bias.” The special‑prosecutor role gives the state Attorney General the authority to subpoena records, interview witnesses and, if appropriate, seek indictments.

The investigation now moves to the state level, with James’ office expected to file any grand‑jury presentations in the coming weeks. Both the governor’s office and the university have pledged cooperation, while the plaintiff’s civil suit proceeds in parallel.