‘I want the truth’: NY governor appoints prosecutor in Cornell rape case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticized the handling of a rape case involving six Cornell University students, accusing campus police and the county prosecutor of failing the accuser. At a press conference, Hochul announced Attorney General Letitia James would take over the investigation, expressing loss of faith in the local district attorney's abilities.

Hochul questioned why the district attorney did not interview the accuser or anyone else involved, or request the full transcript. The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, had reportedly told police exactly what happened to her, including her belief she had been raped. However, this account did not appear in the Cornell police report sent to prosecutors.

Attorney General James said the investigation could take time, but her office was committed to seeing it through. The original investigation closed in 2024 without charges, with the district attorney citing the accuser's sworn statement not including allegations of being drugged and forced into sex. The case gained national attention after the accuser filed a new lawsuit in September 2026 against seven fraternity members and Cornell.

Cornell has since barred the Chi Phi fraternity and imposed disciplinary measures, supporting the appointment of Attorney General James and committing to an independent external review of its handling of the case.