New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday morning she has opened an "active criminal investigation" into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University in 2024."This is now an active criminal investigation led by the office of the attorney general," James said after New York Gov.Kathy Hochul appointed her as an independent special prosecutor in the case."Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly, that they will be seen and heard.
That is the promise of our justice system," she said.'CAME OUT OF NOWHERE': CORNELL STUDENT SAYS PRESIDENT'S CONFRONTATION IS UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN ON CAMPUS"I stand ready to lead a process guided by the facts and the law.In the coming months, my office will dutifully carry out the responsibilities the governor has conferred upon us in this executive order.
We will review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and, if warranted, pursue prosecutions.I know that you want answers.
I do too," she added.New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James attend a press conference regarding an investigation into alleged sexual assault at Cornell University, in New York City, US, October 2, 2026.(REUTERS/Jeenah Moon)Hochul signed an executive order appointing James as the special prosecutor on Thursday, citing "serious questions about the investigation conducted by the Cornell Police Department and the decision by the Tompkins County District Attorney not to prosecute an alleged sexual assault on Cornell University's campus in October 2024."FRAT HOUSE TURNS INTO CRIME SCENE AFTER MEMBER ALLEGEDLY SEXUALLY ASSAULTS WOMAN, POLICE SAYA woman identified only as Jane Doe filed a civil complaint in September accusing seven members of Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity of sexual assault and rape.In the complaint, Doe alleges she "was plied with alcohol and drugs to the point of intoxication by members of Xi chapter's fraternal organization," which r...