Cornell Assault Case: New York AG Hires Former Federal Prosecutor

New York Attorney General Letitia James appointed Jacqueline Kelly on Wednesday to lead the criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations at Cornell University. Kelly will serve as outside counsel and report directly to James’s office. The probe examines claims that seven fraternity members drugged and assaulted a student, identified as Jane Doe, during a seven-hour period in October 2024.

Kelly previously served as chief of the civil rights unit in the US attorney’s office for the southern district of New York through 2021. During that tenure, she supervised high-profile cases involving Sean "Diddy" Combs, Peter Nygard, and Dr. Ricardo Cruciani. James described Kelly as a seasoned prosecutor with judicial experience. "Jacqueline Kelly is a seasoned prosecutor who has overseen numerous cases from investigation through trial," James said.

The appointment follows a decision by Governor Kathy Hochul to name James as special prosecutor. Hochul stated she had "lost faith" in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s ability to oversee the investigation. The governor specifically cited Van Houten’s choice not to prosecute the case in 2024. Hochul also noted that law enforcement officials who were responsible for protecting the accuser had "failed" her.

Kelly said she was grateful for the opportunity to lead the inquiry with the Attorney General’s office. "All New Yorkers deserve a fair and thorough inquiry into the facts of this case," Kelly said. She added that she looks forward to using her federal prosecutor experience to examine all available evidence.

Attorneys for one of the accused men have filed a motion to remove James from the case. They claim the AG has "prejudice" because of a post she shared on X prior to her appointment. In that post, James wrote: "What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. I'm holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you're not alone. We stand with you."

Judge James R. Farrell of New York's Sullivan County weighed the removal request at a hearing last Thursday. He deferred a decision until all accused men join the request. "It's not a one-defendant case," Farrell said. "It's a potential for seven. You can't have seven different proceedings."