Cornell fraternity rape case
A former Cornell University student has accused seven fraternity members of sexual assault in 2024. Prosecutors reopened the case, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take it over, and Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff said the university 'must do better' in its handling of the allegations.
Current state
New York Attorney General Letitia James is serving as special prosecutor in the reopened criminal investigation into a former Cornell student's allegation that she was sexually assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members in 2024; no criminal charges have been filed, and Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff has said the university 'must do better' in its handling of the allegations.
3 sources · 4 reports · Updated 4 Oct 2026
What changed
Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff publicly said the university 'must do better' and called the fraternity rape allegations deeply disturbing.
Developments
- Key development
Cornell president Michael Kotlikoff said the university 'must do better' and described the allegations as deeply disturbing.
- Key development
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to take over the entire case, saying she had lost faith in the local district attorney.
- Key development
Cornell University agreed to hire outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation into the 2024 allegation.
- Key development
Prosecutors reopened the criminal investigation after the woman filed a civil lawsuit against seven Chi Phi fraternity members.
- Earlier development
In 2024 the woman reported being assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house, but the Tompkins County district attorney initially declined to pursue criminal charges.
Current story coverage
Earlier coverage
- News Wrap: New York AG appointed as special prosecutor in Cornell rape case In our news wrap Friday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed the state Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to take over the Cornell University rape case, the U.S. is sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East as President Trump weighs further action against Iran and this year's Kennedy Center Honors will take place at Washington, D.C.'s Capital One Arena.
- Prosecutor continues probe into reopened Cornell fraternity rape case as campus reels The latest in the case of a former Cornell University student accusing seven fraternity members of sexual assault in 2024.