Woman in alleged Cornell gang-rape case was ‘failed’ by system, New York governor says
Kathy Hochul briefs journalists with state attorney general Letitia James, who will be taking over the entire case
TL;DR
- Governor Kathy Hochul is intervening in an alleged gang-rape case at Cornell University.
- State Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed special prosecutor to take over the case.
- Hochul criticized Cornell University police and the Tompkins county district attorney for their handling of the investigation.
- A civil lawsuit was filed by a former Cornell student alleging she was drugged and gang-raped in a fraternity house in 2024.
- The governor questioned the district attorney's decision not to prosecute and the basis for that decision.
- Hochul also highlighted a perceived gap in state law regarding voluntary intoxication and consent.
- Cornell University has suspended the Chi Phi fraternity indefinitely and agreed to an independent investigation into its handling of the allegations.
- Lawyers for two accused men deny the sexual assault allegations.