By Fatma Younis
Former Manhattan federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly has been appointed as outside counsel to lead the criminal investigation into gang rape allegations at Cornell University, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday.
Kelly's Background in High-Profile Sex Crimes Cases
Kelly, a Cornell alumna and partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, previously oversaw high-profile sex crimes prosecutions against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and fashion executive Peter Nygård during her nearly decade-long tenure in the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office. She also led the office's civil rights unit, handling civil rights offenses, voting rights violations, and hate crimes.
Defendants Seek Attorney General's Removal
Two men named as defendants in the former student's lawsuit have asked a judge to remove James from the investigation, arguing she is biased due to a social media post expressing support for the accuser before her appointment. A ruling on the motion is pending.
Investigation Timeline and Cornell's Response
James, who was appointed special prosecutor by Governor Kathy Hochul in October after losing faith in the local district attorney, said the investigation will take months. The former student, identified as Jane Doe, alleged she was raped at a fraternity party in October 2024 after being pressured to use ketamine and marijuana. Cornell has hired former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to review its sexual assault policies and disciplinary processes.
