NEW YORK: The woman who accused members of a Cornell University fraternity of gang rape was “failed” by people obligated to protect her, including campus police and county prosecutor, New York governor Kathy Hochul said Friday.
The probe was closed without charges in 2024, but Van Houten reopened it on Monday after the woman sued seven former Chi Phi fraternity members, Cornell and others.
Hochul said at a news conference that she decided to appoint attorney general Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take over the investigation after learning “troubling details” about how authorities have handled the woman’s claims thus far, including that the district attorney closed the case without having anyone interview the accuser or anyone else involved in the alleged attack. Van Houten, who was removed from the case, backed James’ appointment but said the university had not provided the full picture. James said her office would review evidence, interview witnesses and pursue prosecutions if warranted, adding that the investigation could take months.
The lawsuit alleges she was plied with drugs and alcohol, then subjected to sexual acts by several men while partially or entirely incapacitated.