NY's governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell frat rape investigation
The governor said she'd lost faith in prosecutors overseeing the case and handed it over to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"New information has raised serious questions about how this case was handled, and I've lost faith in the Tompkins County DA's ability to fairly oversee it."
— Kathy Hochul , Politician
"The Governor has entrusted my office with this investigation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly."
— Letitia James , Politician
"We were not given enough evidence to meet the legal threshold."
— Matthew Van Houten , Other
Key People
Jane Doe is the pseudonymous woman who accused Jay-Z of rape when she was 13.
Kathy Hochul is the Governor of New York.
Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York.
Matthew Van Houten is the Tompkins County District Attorney.
Thomas Giuffra is the lawyer representing Jane Doe in her civil lawsuit.
Locations
All Coverage
The governor said she'd lost faith in prosecutors overseeing the case and handed it over to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
NY governor attacks law enforcement's handling of 2024 Cornell rape investigation - Reuters
NY governor attacks law enforcement's handling of 2024 Cornell rape investigation Reuters
October 2, 2026 at 11:24 PMWoman at centre of Cornell rape inquiry was 'failed' by officials, says New York governor
The woman, known as Jane Doe, alleges she was raped by seven students at a fraternity house at the university in 2024.
October 2, 2026 at 05:44 PMProsecutors reopen investigation into alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University - Reuters
Prosecutors reopen investigation into alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University Reuters
September 28, 2026 at 06:09 PMUS prosecutors reopen case of alleged gang rape at Cornell University
It comes after the woman filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and raped at a fraternity house in 2024.
September 28, 2026 at 06:11 PMWhy an investigation into alleged frat house gang rape is reopening
A former Cornell student is suing the university and seven fraternity members, claiming she was drugged and gang-raped in 2024.
September 28, 2026 at 08:31 PMCornell president says university 'must do better' after frat house rape allegations
Michael Kotlikoff described the allegations of a woman who says she was drugged and gang raped as "deeply disturbing".
October 4, 2026 at 12:11 AM