Story perspectives

Hochul Appoints Letitia James to Prosecute Cornell Rape Allegation

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 10:04 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Hochul loses confidence

Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
The 2024 Cornell police and District Attorney Matthew Van Houten investigation found no charges because the sworn statement did not allege drugging or gang rape.
Hochul said new information and omitted details caused her to lose confidence in Van Houten.

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Fraternity Named Defendants

New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as prosecutor to investigate the October 2024 rape at Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity.
Legislative leaders will work with Hochul to close New York’s loophole that treats intoxication differently in rape cases.
Matthew Van Houten reopened investigation and will present it to a grand jury.
The alleged victim’s lawsuit names seven former Chi Phi members and the fraternity as defendants.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Violence Against Women Act, championed by President Bill Clinton, established federal standards for prosecuting sexual assault and funding victim services. The Department of Justice allocated $1.5 billion over five years, and the New York State Senate passed 1995 amendments tightening intoxication defenses. Today Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James invoke that precedent, reopening the October 2024 Cornell Chi Phi rape probe and challenging New York’s intoxication loophole. The move signals renewed state commitment to enforce stricter rape statutes, echoing VAWA’s legacy of expanding accountability and victim protections nationwide.

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Hochul loses confidence

Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as prosecutor to investigate an alleged gang rape at Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024.
The 2024 Cornell police and District Attorney Matthew Van Houten investigation found no charges because the sworn statement did not allege drugging or gang rape.
Hochul said new information and omitted details caused her to lose confidence in Van Houten.

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