James Takes Over Cornell Assault Allegations Case

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed state Attorney General Letitia James to take over the criminal investigation into allegations that a former Cornell University student was sexually assaulted by fraternity members in 2024. James will oversee the case as a special prosecutor and could present evidence to a grand jury if warranted, Hochul said. The appointment shifts the investigation from Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, whose office previously declined to pursue charges. Hochul said she had lost confidence in the handling of the case. James said her first priority would be the criminal investigation and that she would follow the facts and law. No decision on charges has been reported. The allegations have not been established in the supplied reporting. A former student identified in a civil complaint as Jane Doe alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven men at a Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. She was 20 at the time. The lawsuit names the seven men, Cornell and others as defendants. Lawyers for two of the men have denied that their clients committed sexual assault.