New York attorney general named special prosecutor in Cornell sexual assault case

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been named special prosecutor in a case stemming from an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University, according to reporting by NPR.

The appointment follows a dispute over how the case has been characterized. A local prosecutor had previously made public statements about the matter, but the attorney representing the alleged victim told NPR that her client's police statement clearly described being sexually assaulted, contradicting that characterization.

The case centers on an alleged gang rape connected to a fraternity at Cornell University in 2024. Details of the original incident and the subsequent handling of the case by local authorities have drawn scrutiny.

With James now serving as special prosecutor, the case moves forward under the oversight of the state attorney general's office rather than the local prosecutor who had previously overseen it.

NPR reported that further information about the case continues to emerge as the alleged victim's legal representation pushes back on the earlier public characterization of her statement.