NEW YORK (AP) — A criminal investigation into gang rape allegations at Cornell University has been reopened and will be led by Jacqueline Kelly, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the development on Wednesday. Kelly is a Cornell alumna and a partner at the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner. Her appointment follows a former student's allegations made public through a September lawsuit, claiming she was raped by several men at a fraternity party in October 2024.
In her role as outside counsel, Kelly, along with a team of lawyers and investigators from her firm and the attorney general's office, will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the relevant legal framework related to the allegations. James, who was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to oversee the investigation, emphasized her confidence in Kelly's capability to conduct a fair and comprehensive examination of the case.
Jacqueline Kelly brings a wealth of experience as she led numerous investigations and prosecutions during her nearly decade-long tenure at the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office. She headed the civil rights unit and was involved in high-profile cases involving civil rights offenses and sex crimes. After leaving the U.S. Attorney's Office in 2022, she joined Boies Schiller Flexner, where she continues to focus on regulatory and criminal investigations.
James made the announcement regarding the investigation a day after being re-elected to serve her third term. Her investigation is expected to take several months and will operate independently of local prosecutors following a lack of action from Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. Van Houten had previously indicated a restart of the investigation after the lawsuit but faced critiques regarding his efficacy in handling such sensitive matters.
In the lawsuit, the former Cornell student, referred to as Jane Doe, alleged that several men coerced her into using ketamine and marijuana, rendering her unable to provide consent due to intoxication. She claimed to have reported the incident to campus police and the university's Title IX office shortly after the events, igniting further scrutiny over how universities and local authorities handle cases of sexual assault on campus.
The allegations have stirred significant concern within the Ivy League institution, prompting Cornell to hire former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to review the university's policies and protocols regarding sexual assault investigations and the effectiveness of their disciplinary actions.
Throughout her career, Kelly has overseen prosecutions of high-profile cases, including that of former neurologist Ricardo Cruciani, who faced federal charges for sexual offenses before his death while in custody. She also prosecuted former Bronx music teacher Jesus Concepcion, who received a lengthy prison sentence for sexually abusing multiple students. In her role at Boies Schiller Flexner, she has primarily represented victims of sexual assault and other crimes, reinforcing her commitment to bringing justice and accountability in such cases.
James has a history of utilizing outside counsel for her investigative efforts. Notably, she previously appointed outside lawyers to conduct a non-criminal investigation into sexual harassment allegations against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which ultimately led to his resignation.
As this case progresses, it remains a focal point for discussions around campus safety, the adequacy of investigations into sexual assault, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding students' rights. With the involvement of experienced professionals like Kelly, there is hope for a thorough investigation that may shed light on the allegations and improve practices related to such serious matters.
