New York Governor Names Special Prosecutor in Cornell Assault Case
New York Governor Kathy Hochul named a special prosecutor on Thursday. Attorney General Letitia James will take over the Cornell University case.
The case involves an alleged sexual assault in 2024. Jane Doe alleges that seven students raped her at a fraternity house.
She reported the alleged assault to campus police in November 2024. The local district attorney first closed the case without charges.
The Associated Press said the office did not interview Doe or others. Doe later filed a civil lawsuit.
The investigation was reopened after the lawsuit. Hochul said the woman was “failed” by those meant to protect her.
She named police and the county prosecutor. On Friday Hochul said all facts would be brought to light. She vowed not to let anyone “sweep this case under the rug.”
Key Terms 4
- special prosecutor A lawyer picked to lead one case in place of the usual prosecutor.
- Jane Doe A name used to protect the identity of the woman in the case.
- civil lawsuit A court case where a person asks for money or a fix, not jail.
- district attorney The local lawyer who decides whether to bring criminal charges.