Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Hochul Appoints Special Prosecutor in Cornell Rape Allegations
A former Cornell student says she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in October 2024.
She reported the incident to campus police a few weeks later.
The local district attorney did not initially bring criminal charges.
The district attorney said the woman's sworn account described the drug use and sexual activity as voluntary and consensual.
After public criticism, his office reopened the case and said it would present evidence to a grand jury.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized how the case was handled.
She appointed Attorney General Letitia James to oversee a new criminal investigation.
Cornell says it investigated the allegations and punished fraternity members.
The allegations have not been presented here as proven in court.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the woman was denied justice and criticized Cornell police and local prosecutors.
Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to oversee the investigation and pursue charges if warranted.
The woman reported that she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office reopened the case and would present evidence to a grand jury.
Cornell said it investigated the allegations, barred the fraternity chapter from campus, and disciplined members.
- Who
- A former Cornell University student identified as Jane Doe; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul; Attorney General Letitia James; and Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten.
- What
- The state has assigned a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of sexual assault involving Chi Phi fraternity members.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred on October 19, 2024; the woman reported it three weeks later, and the case was later reopened.
- Where
- The Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell University in New York.
- Why
- The appointment followed public scrutiny of Cornell police and the local prosecutor's initial handling of the woman's report.
Criticism of the handling
Defenses and responses
Initial decision not to file charges
Criticism of the handling
Hochul criticized the district attorney for not interviewing the woman or others involved and for not requesting the full transcript; she said institutions failed the woman.
Defenses and responses
Van Houten said the woman's sworn statement described drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual.
Cornell's investigation
Criticism of the handling
Hochul said she was deeply disturbed by Cornell police's handling of the matter.
Defenses and responses
Cornell said it conducted a thorough investigation, barred the Chi Phi chapter from campus, and disciplined fraternity members.
- Alleged incident
- October 19, 2024
- Complainant
- Identified as Jane Doe in court documents
- Fraternity
- Chi Phi
- Special prosecutor
- New York Attorney General Letitia James
- Local prosecutor
- Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten
- Grand jury
- Van Houten said his office would present evidence for possible indictment
- Cornell's response
- The university said it investigated, barred the chapter from campus, and disciplined members