The announcement came at a press briefing in Albany, where Hochul demanded that the woman who accused seven former Chi Phi members of gang rape be given the justice she deserved. She called the failure of campus police and the county prosecutor to interview the victim or request transcripts "unacceptable".
The lawsuit, filed in May 2024, claims the accuser was drugged, intoxicated, and assaulted by several men while partially incapacitated. Cornell’s own investigation had closed the case without charges last year after the district attorney decided no interviews were necessary. Van Houten, who had overseen the original probe, was removed following Hochul’s intervention.
James, who has a track record of tackling high‑profile sexual assault cases, said her office would conduct a thorough review of all evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue any warranted prosecutions. She warned that the process could take several months before any formal charges are filed.
Cornell officials expressed support for the move, noting the university’s commitment to student safety and a willingness to cooperate fully with the special prosecutor. The university said it would provide all available records and personnel to aid the investigation.
The victim, who has chosen to keep her name private, told a local reporter that she had already endured unspeakable trauma and that she trusted the state to act. Her story, shared quietly in a courtroom, has sparked campus‑wide protests demanding stronger safeguards.
The next phase will see James’ office convene a preliminary hearing in June, after which decisions on further action will be announced. The state also plans to review policies governing campus law enforcement response to sexual assault claims, aiming to prevent future failures.