By Ahmed Abdelsalam
New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead a criminal investigation into 2024 sexual assault allegations at Cornell University.
Kelly’s background
Kelly, a Cornell alumna, previously served as chief of the civil rights unit in the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. She oversaw high-profile cases including those involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard, and Dr. Ricardo Cruciani, who faced sex trafficking and sexual abuse charges.
Special prosecutor appointment
Governor Kathy Hochul named James as special prosecutor last month after expressing lost faith in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, who declined to prosecute the case in 2024. Hochul said those obligated to protect the student, identified as Jane Doe, had failed her.
Allegations and legal challenges
The case centers on a Cornell student’s claim that seven fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted her over seven hours in October 2024. The lack of arrests prompted a civil lawsuit and public backlash. Lawyers for one accused man have sought James’s removal, citing a social media post she made supporting the accuser. A judge deferred a decision on her removal, noting all seven defendants would need to join the request.
