Hochul Assigns AG James to Investigate ‘Cornell 7’ Case
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed Attorney General Letitia James to lead an independent investigation into the ‘Cornell 7’ sexual assault allegations.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed Attorney General Letitia James to lead an independent investigation into the ‘Cornell 7’ sexual assault allegations, raising questions about the impartiality of the probe. Hochul signed an executive order on Thursday, transferring the case from the local district attorney to James as a special prosecutor.
Case Overview and Investigation
The case involves allegations that a Cornell University student was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in October 2024. Hochul’s order calls for a ‘full, reasoned, and independent investigation’ guided by the facts and the law. However, her public statements have cast doubt on the neutrality of the process.
At a press conference, Hochul described the woman’s allegations as a fact, accusing Cornell police and the Tompkins County district attorney of failing to act. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating, ‘I want the truth.’ Hochul acknowledged the lack of a full account of the incident and emphasized the importance of having all the facts before drawing conclusions.
James’s Role and Public Statements
Letitia James, who has already expressed support for the victim, has pledged to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. Before being appointed as the special prosecutor, James had publicly condemned the situation, stating that the young woman had been ‘forced to endure something horrific and unacceptable.’ She also mentioned her support for the victim, saying she was ‘holding her in my heart and in my prayers.’
During the press conference, a reporter questioned James about her ability to remain impartial after her public statements. Hochul cut off the question, expressing her confidence in James’s ability to handle the case based on facts and the law. James later reiterated her commitment to a fair process, stating that every New Yorker deserves a thorough and fair investigation.
Legal and Institutional Context
The executive order grants James’ office extraordinary control over the case, displacing the jurisdiction of Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. Van Houten’s office had previously declined to prosecute without interviewing the victim and relied, at least in part, on a police statement that omitted her allegations of sexual assault. Van Houten has since reopened the investigation after the woman filed a civil lawsuit with new allegations and evidence.
Hochul has also used the case to call for legal reforms regarding sexual assault and intoxication, arguing that voluntary intoxication should not prevent prosecution when a person is too intoxicated to consent. She has separately pressed Cornell to conduct an independent review of its handling of the allegations.
Source: Daily Wire
