Hochul Names James Special Prosecutor in Cornell Case

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to investigate an alleged sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity house, transferring the case from the Tompkins County district attorney. James may present evidence to a grand jury and prosecute offenses if warranted; the appointment does not mean charges have been filed or that a prosecution will follow. Hochul said newly released information raised questions about the Cornell Police Department’s investigation and the district attorney’s earlier decision not to prosecute. She said those concerns had undermined confidence in the local prosecutor’s ability to handle the case. The sources do not detail the newly released information that prompted the appointment. The incident under investigation is alleged to have taken place in October 2024 at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house. A civil lawsuit, as described in one account, alleges that fraternity members sexually assaulted the woman. The allegations have not been established in the material provided, and no criminal charges are reported.