By Fatma Younis
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday the appointment of former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead an independent investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024.
Kelly's background
Kelly, a Cornell graduate, previously served as the first chief of the civil rights unit in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and oversaw the criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Case origins and governor's order
The investigation was ordered by Governor Kathy Hochul on October 1 after concerns that the Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, did not properly assess the case. Van Houten declined to bring charges after reviewing a six-page statement from the accuser, identified as Jane Doe, and did not review additional statements.
Lawsuit details
A lawsuit filed in September by a former Cornell student under the pseudonym Jane Doe accuses seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity of drugging and sexual assault following a consensual threesome on October 19 and 20, 2024. The woman reported the incident to university and campus police in November 2024.
Legal challenges to James
Lawyers for two accused fraternity members have asked state judges to disqualify James from the case, citing past social media comments in support of Jane Doe as evidence of bias. Those requests are pending. James has said her investigation will be fair and fact-based, and that her remarks were made before her appointment and based on empathy.
Kelly's response and experience
Kelly, now a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, thanked James for the opportunity and pledged a thorough inquiry. Her firm previously represented women who accused Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse. Kelly also worked on cases against fashion CEO Peter Nygard and doctor Ricardo Cruciani.
Previous high-profile cases
In 2025, Kelly oversaw the prosecution that led to Combs’ conviction for transportation to engage in prostitution, though he was acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Combs is currently serving a 50-month federal prison sentence.
