New York attorney general appointed to investigate Cornell sexual assault case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in a sexual assault case at Cornell University. A woman reported that she was raped and drugged at a fraternity house in October 2024. Local police and the Tompkins County District Attorney investigated but decided not to prosecute. Hochul said new information raised serious questions about how they handled the case. James will now lead a fresh investigation and decide whether to bring charges. She can also present evidence to a grand jury if she thinks it is necessary. Her team will also review the earlier investigation. Cornell University has agreed to hire outside lawyers to separately review how the university responded to the woman's report.