Hochul says Cornell rape accuser was failed by officials

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticised the handling of an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University, saying the woman at the centre of the case was “failed” by institutions that were expected to protect her.

Allegations date back to 2024

The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, alleges that she was drugged, became incapacitated and was sexually assaulted by several men at a Cornell fraternity house in October 2024. A criminal investigation was conducted at the time, but no charges were filed.

Investigation transferred to state attorney general

Hochul has appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take over the criminal investigation. The governor said she had lost confidence in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s ability to oversee the case.

Hochul questions prosecutors’ approach

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Hochul said she was deeply disturbed by how the investigation had been handled. She criticised the fact that local prosecutors did not personally interview Jane Doe before deciding not to bring charges.

James promises fact-based investigation

James said her office would review the evidence, interview witnesses and determine whether criminal charges are warranted. She said the investigation would be guided by the facts and the law.

District attorney defends earlier decision

Van Houten has defended his office’s initial decision not to prosecute, saying investigators did not have sufficient evidence to meet the legal standard for charges. He has also said some information now circulating publicly was not provided to his office during the original investigation.

Civil lawsuit brings case back into spotlight

The case gained national attention after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell University and seven fraternity members in September. The lawsuit contains allegations that were not part of the information prosecutors said they relied on when the original decision was made.

Cornell investigation produced evidence

Cornell has said it conducted its own investigation after the allegations were reported. Evidence included a Snapchat group chat in which fraternity members allegedly discussed a sexual encounter involving Jane Doe. Cornell has also taken disciplinary action against students and suspended the Chi Phi fraternity.

Accuser faces online scrutiny

Jane Doe’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, told CNN that she has been struggling with intense attention since the allegations became public. He said people have attempted to identify her online and that false court documents have also circulated.

Debate over New York rape law

Hochul has also called for changes to New York’s sexual assault laws. She says the current law creates difficulties in cases where a person voluntarily consumes alcohol or drugs before becoming too intoxicated to consent.

Proposed legal changes

A bill addressing voluntary intoxication and sexual assault was already moving through the New York legislature before the renewed attention surrounding the Cornell case. Hochul said she supports the legislation and that lawmakers could consider it when the legislature reconvenes in January.

Investigation now continues

James will now oversee the criminal inquiry and could present evidence to a grand jury if prosecutors determine that charges are warranted. The case remains an investigation, and the allegations against the accused men have not been established in criminal court.