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Cornell Alleged Rape Case Is ‘Now an Active Criminal Investigation,’ N.Y. Attorney General Says

Letitia James will review evidence and witness accounts after a lawsuit accused Cornell students and a fraternity of sexual assault and negligence.

  • On Friday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations involving Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as special prosecutor.
  • Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on October 1 appointing James as special prosecutor, citing concerns over how Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten handled the initial case and noting Cornell police provided an incomplete account to prosecutors.
  • A lawsuit filed September 16 alleges sexual assault and negligence against the University and Chi Phi; while Van Houten previously declined charges, Hochul stated the victim reported rape to police, though that detail was omitted from the initial account.
  • In an email on Friday, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten expressed support for James's appointment, stating he trusts her to apply the law and adding his office was not provided the "full picture" by the University.
  • James stated her office will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue prosecutions if warranted in the coming months, while Cornell University did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.
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The New York City Attorney will investigate the case after it became known that the police eventually omitted the part of the statement in which the young woman was talking about rape.

·Lisboa, Portugal
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Law.com broke the news on Friday, October 2, 2026.
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