NY's governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell frat rape investigation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell University. The move follows a civil lawsuit that raised concerns about the initial handling of the case by local authorities.
Why it matters
The intervention by state-level officials underscores the growing national scrutiny regarding how universities and local prosecutors handle sexual assault allegations.
Figure caption, Cornell students voice frustration at public hearing over rape case
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed the state's attorney general as a special prosecutor in investigating the alleged gang rape of a woman at Cornell University.
The woman has alleged she was drugged and raped by several men at a fraternity house. The case, which stems back to 2024, was reopened after the woman filed a civil lawsuit last month that thrust the allegations into the national spotlight.
"New information has raised serious questions about how this case was handled, and I've lost faith in the Tompkins County DA's ability to fairly oversee it," Hochul said.
Hochul's announcement removes Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten from overseeing the case.
The BBC has contacted Van Houten's office.
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