Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced Friday that Attorney General Letitia James will serve as special prosecutor in the investigation of alleged gang‑rape allegations at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house. The move follows criticism of Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who earlier closed the case citing insufficient evidence.
Background of the allegations
In October 2024, a woman reported that she was given ketamine at the fraternity house, became incapacitated, and was sexually assaulted by multiple men. She filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell University and seven former students last month, alleging the assault and seeking damages.
According to the lawsuit, the victim reported the incident to Cornell campus police about three weeks later and provided a detailed account over two days. She also participated in the university’s disciplinary investigation.
District attorney’s initial decision
Van Houten reviewed a police summary of the victim’s interview and declined to pursue criminal charges, stating that the evidence did not meet the threshold for a rape prosecution. After the civil suit was filed, the DA said the lawsuit revealed new allegations he had not seen, including a transcript in which the woman said she was “100% confident” she was raped.
Van Houten argued that the victim’s intoxication, while severe, did not rise to the level of physical helplessness required under New York law to prove lack of consent. He noted that voluntary intoxication alone generally does not establish an inability to consent.
Governor’s response and AG appointment
Governor Hochul said she lost confidence in Van Houten’s handling of the case, noting that he had not requested additional information from Cornell or interviewed the victim before closing the investigation. “This young woman endured something utterly unspeakable, and she was failed by institutions meant to protect her,” Hochul said.
James, a Democrat known for high‑profile investigations, told reporters that her review would be thorough and not rushed, describing the process as “month‑long” with no predetermined outcome.
Legal context
New York law distinguishes between voluntary intoxication and a state of physical helplessness caused by non‑consensual drug administration. The statute makes it more difficult to prosecute cases where the victim was merely intoxicated, a point highlighted by both the DA and critics of the law.
Governor Hochul indicated she supports changing the law to better protect victims who are incapacitated by drugs.
Reactions on campus
The case has sparked intense debate among Cornell students. Some call for greater transparency and stronger sexual‑assault prevention measures, while others question the university’s disciplinary process.
All presidents of the fraternities in Cornell’s Interfraternity Council voted unanimously to cancel social events this weekend in response to the allegations.
Next steps
Attorney General James will now lead the state‑level investigation, reviewing all evidence collected by Cornell and the county prosecutor’s office. The investigation will determine whether criminal charges are warranted under state law.
Both the governor and the AG emphasized the importance of a careful, fact‑based review, while critics of the existing law continue to urge legislative reform.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
