New York Attorney General Letitia James will lead the Cornell sexual assault investigation involving an alleged 2024 attack at a fraternity house. Gov. Kathy Hochul reassigned the case after questioning how campus police and the local prosecutor handled the allegations.
Special Prosecutor Named in Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation
Hochul signed an executive order appointing James’ office as special prosecutor on Oct. 1. The order removes Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten from the investigation.
The attorney general now has authority to investigate the allegations. Her office may also present evidence to a grand jury and prosecute any offenses it identifies.
Hochul said recently released information raised serious concerns about the Cornell University Police Department’s investigation. She also questioned the district attorney’s original decision not to pursue charges.
“This action will ensure that the matter is fully and thoroughly investigated without conflict or bias,” Hochul said.
Allegations Date Back to 2024
The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, reported the alleged assault to campus police in November 2024. She said the incident occurred at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
A civil lawsuit filed in September 2026 names Cornell University, Chi Phi organizations and seven fraternity members. The lawsuit alleges the woman received drugs and alcohol before several men engaged in sexual acts while she was partially or entirely incapacitated.
The allegations remain unproven in court. No criminal charges have been filed. Attorneys representing two of the men have denied that their clients participated in a sexual assault.
Questions Surround the Original Review
The district attorney’s office declined to prosecute the case in 2024. Van Houten reopened the investigation in September 2026 after the civil lawsuit introduced additional information.
Van Houten defended the earlier decision. He said the sworn statement provided by campus police did not allege involuntary drugging, forced sex or incapacitation that prevented consent.
However, reports about the woman’s full police interview raised questions about what prosecutors received. Hochul said the district attorney closed the original case without interviewing the woman or other people allegedly involved.
James said her office will review evidence, gather additional information and interview witnesses. She did not provide a timetable for completing the investigation.
“Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly,” James said in an official statement.
Cornell Orders an Independent Review
Cornell previously suspended the Chi Phi chapter and conducted an internal disciplinary investigation. The university said sanctions included suspensions and expulsions, although it has not identified the students involved.
Cornell has also announced an independent review of its response to the allegations. Outside attorneys will examine how university officials and campus police handled the case.
The investigation has prompted wider debate about sexual assault reporting, consent laws and accountability on college campuses. James’ appointment does not indicate that charges will follow. Her office must determine whether the available evidence supports criminal prosecution.
People affected by sexual violence can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline for free, confidential support in English or Spanish. Assistance is available around the clock at 800-656-HOPE (4673), by online chat or by texting HOPE to 64673.