Cornell Sexual Assault — NY Gov. Hochul Appoints Special Prosecutor

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has strongly criticized the initial investigation into a 2-year-old Cornell sexual assault case and announced the appointment of a special prosecutor to thoroughly uncover the truth.

Governor Hochul Criticizes Initial Investigation

During a press conference on the 2nd, Governor Hochul explained the appointment of New York State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, expressing deep concern and regret over the existing investigative authorities’ handling of the case.

Governor Hochul pointed out, “According to recent reports, the female victim was 100% certain she was sexually assaulted and clearly stated this. However, the records handed over by the police to the prosecutor’s office did not include these crucial statements at all.”

Targeting the response of the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office, she critically questioned with heightened agitation, “How could the prosecutor’s office fail to conduct direct interviews with the victim or related parties, and not even request transcripts related to the sexual assault?”

Governor Hochul emphasized that the special prosecutor’s investigation will clearly reveal “who knew what and when, what went wrong, and how this victim was denied justice.”

Special Prosecutor Takes Over the Case

Special Prosecutor and State Attorney General Letitia James stated during the briefing, “This case is now an official criminal investigation led by the State Attorney General’s Office.” She added, “We will re-examine the facts, collect evidence, and immediately proceed with indictments if charges are proven.” However, she added, “At this point, we will not directly investigate the actions of the local district attorney’s office.”

Pushing for New York State Law Reforms

Meanwhile, Governor Hochul pointed out that this case exposed serious loopholes in New York State’s sexual violence laws and announced plans to push for legislative reforms. Current New York law treats cases differently depending on whether a victim was forcibly administered drugs and alcohol or consumed them voluntarily. Consequently, critics argue it is difficult to apply severe charges to perpetrators when victims voluntarily consume alcohol or drugs and subsequently lose consciousness or the capacity to consent.

Governor Hochul asserted, “If someone is too intoxicated to consent, whether they voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs does not matter,” adding, “Voluntary drinking or drug use cannot be a free pass for sexual assault or gang rape.” She promised to cooperate immediately with the state legislature to close this legal blind spot.

In response, a Cornell University spokesperson stated, “We fully support the appointment of the special prosecutor and the New York State sexual violence law reform efforts,” adding, “We will actively cooperate with an independent external investigation into Cornell’s overall handling of the past case.”