NY governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell gang-rape case, criticizes handling

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state Attorney General Letitia James will take over the investigation and prosecution of an alleged gang-rape at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024. Hochul criticized the university, police, and county prosecutor for failing the victim, signaling a significant escalation in state oversight. The move suggests potential systemic failures in the initial response, though details of the alleged mishandling remain unclear.