New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed Jacqueline Kelly, a former federal prosecutor, to lead a criminal investigation into allegations that a Cornell University student was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members in October 2024. James said Kelly would conduct a "fair and comprehensive criminal investigation."
Jacqueline Kelly, a Cornell alumna and former chief of the civil rights unit in the U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York, will report directly to James's office. James stated that the Office of the Attorney General is committed to a thorough investigation guided by facts, evidence, and law.
Kelly's appointment follows Governor Kathy Hochul naming James a special prosecutor in the case last month. Hochul said she had lost faith in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten's ability to oversee the investigation after he decided not to prosecute the case in 2024. Hochul emphasized that those obligated to protect the student, including police, had failed her.
The case centers on allegations that the student was drugged and sexually assaulted over seven hours by seven fraternity members. The lack of arrests and the student's civil lawsuit earlier this fall sparked public backlash and criticism of the university and law enforcement.
Kelly said she looks forward to lending her years of experience as a federal prosecutor to the attorney general's office as it examines all available evidence.
Lawyers for one of the accused men have sought to remove James as special prosecutor, alleging prejudice over a post she shared on X before her appointment. In the post, James wrote, "What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I'm holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you're not alone. We stand with you."
At a hearing last week, Judge James R Farrell considered whether James could impartially oversee the investigation but deferred a decision, indicating that all accused men would need to join the request before he would rule on it. "It's not a one-defendant case," Farrell said, adding that it could involve seven defendants.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The investigation could lead to criminal charges in a high-profile case that has already drawn public scrutiny and criticism of institutional failures.
- The appointment of an outside counsel with high-profile experience may restore faith in the legal process.
- The outcome may set a precedent for handling sexual assault allegations at universities.
Background
In October 2024, a Cornell student alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members. No arrests were made, and the Tompkins County District Attorney decided not to prosecute. The student filed a civil lawsuit earlier this fall, prompting public backlash and Governor Hochul to appoint Attorney General James as special prosecutor. James has now appointed Jacqueline Kelly to lead the investigation.
Key Perspectives
Letitia James: Committed to a thorough investigation guided by facts and law, appointed Kelly to ensure fairness.
Jacqueline Kelly: Thanked James and promised a fair and thorough inquiry using her experience.
Lawyers for one accused man: Sought to remove James as special prosecutor, arguing her X post showed prejudice.
Judge James R Farrell: Deferred a decision on the removal request, stating that all seven accused would need to join the motion.
What to Watch
- Judge Farrell's decision on the motion to remove James as special prosecutor.
- The progress of Kelly's investigation and whether it leads to charges.
- Potential reactions from the university and advocacy groups.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedJacqueline Kelly, a former prosecutor involved in Combs cases, was appointed to lead the Cornell criminal investigation.World news | The Guardian: “On Wednesday, James appointed Cornell alum Jacqueline Kelly to serve as outside counsel and lead a “fair and comprehensive criminal investigation”.”
- SupportedThe investigation concerns allegations that seven fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted a Cornell student over seven hours in October 2024.World news | The Guardian: “The reopened case centers on allegations by the Cornell student that seven fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted her over seven hours in October 2024.”
- Partly supportedJames said Kelly would conduct a “fair and comprehensive criminal investigation.”World news | The Guardian: ““With her criminal legal expertise, commitment to public service, and judicial experience, I am confident that she will lead a fair and comprehensive investigation.””
- SupportedKelly is a Cornell alumna and former chief of the civil rights unit in the Southern District of New York U.S. attorney’s office.World news | The Guardian: “Kelly, formerly chief of the civil rights unit in the US attorney’s office for the southern district of New York”
- SupportedKelly will report directly to James’s office.World news | The Guardian: “Kelly, formerly chief of the civil rights unit in the US attorney’s office for the southern district of New York, will report directly to James’s office.”
- Partly supportedJames said the Attorney General’s office is committed to a thorough investigation guided by facts, evidence and law.World news | The Guardian: ““The Office of the Attorney General is committed to a thorough investigation guided only by the facts, the evidence, and the law,” James said”
- SupportedHochul named James special prosecutor in the case last month.World news | The Guardian: “Kelly’s appointment comes a month after Governor Kathy Hochul named James a special prosecutor in the case”
- SupportedHochul said she had lost faith in District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s ability to oversee the investigation, particularly after his 2024 decision not to prosecute the case.World news | The Guardian: “citing that she had “lost faith” in the ability of the Tompkins county district attorney, Matthew Van Houten, to oversee the investigation, particularly after his decision not to prosecute the case in 2024.”
- SupportedHochul said those obligated to protect the student, including police, had failed her.World news | The Guardian: “Hochul emphasized that those obligated to protect Jane Doe – including the police – had “failed” her.”
- SupportedThe lack of arrests and the student’s civil lawsuit earlier that fall sparked public backlash and criticism of the university and law enforcement.World news | The Guardian: “The lack of any arrests, followed by Doe filing a civil lawsuit earlier this fall, sparked severe public backlash and criticism aimed at the university and law enforcement.”
- SupportedJames wrote in her X post: “What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I'm holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you're not alone. We stand with you.”World news | The Guardian: “In the post, James wrote : “What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you.””
- SupportedAt last week’s hearing, Judge Farrell deferred a decision on James’s removal, indicating all accused men would need to join the request before he ruled; Farrell said it was “not a one-defendant case” and added that it could involve seven defendants.World news | The Guardian: “However, he deferred a decision on her removal, indicating that all of the accused men would need to join the request before he would rule on it. “It’s not a one-defendant case,” Farrell said, adding: “It’s a potential for seven.””