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.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Cornell University's response to student rape allegations to be reviewed by New York A-G
The report followed a CBS News release of message screenshots between a former Cornell student and one of the defendants, allegedly from two days following the assault.
'Horrific And Unacceptable' — NY Attorney General Letitia James Launches Review Into Cornell’s Handling Of Alleged Fraternity Gang Rape Case
AG Letitia James said in an X post, "What this young woman has been forded to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I'm holding her in my heart and my prayers."
Inside explosive Cornell rape allegations: 7 men accused, conflicting accounts and a political firestorm - NEW YORK TIMES POST
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A sexually charged case that roiled Cornell University two years ago has exploded onto the national stage, fueling a fierce debate over sex, consent and criminality in college hookup culture. Seven former Chi Phi fraternity brothers are accused in a civil lawsuit of drugging and raping a female Cornell student during a night of drinking, drugs and group sex at their fraternity house in October 2024. Th…
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.
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