Governor Hochul Criticizes Handling of Cornell Rape Investigation

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the Cornell rape accuser was "failed" by those responsible for her protection, including police and the prosecutor, during a news conference on Friday. Hochul expressed her discontent with the Cornell University Police, the Tompkins County District Attorney, and the state's rape laws, while introducing Attorney General Letitia James as the special prosecutor in the case. James announced that this is now "an active criminal investigation" and committed to a thorough and fair inquiry. "Every New Yorker deserves to know that when they report a crime, it will be investigated fully and fairly, that they will be seen and heard, that is the promise of our justice system," James stated. Hochul emphasized that the system failed Jane Doe, noting that information from her police interview was not relayed to the district attorney, who subsequently did not interview her. "I am deeply disturbed by Cornell University's police and how they handled this," Hochul remarked, criticizing the submission of a "partial record" to the district attorney. She questioned how the police could learn from the victim about a gang rape and not elevate those allegations. Hochul further asserted that the Tompkins County district attorney did not perform the "bare minimum" by failing to interview the woman after receiving a six-page police report. Tompkins County District Attorney Matt Van Houten stated that the summary of Jane Doe's allegations did not convince him that a crime occurred. Hochul also called for changes to state law regarding voluntary intoxication in sexual assault cases, urging lawmakers to address this issue promptly. Attorneys for Jane Doe commended Hochul's decision to appoint a special prosecutor. Van Houten expressed his support for the governor's decision to remove him from the case and pledged cooperation with the attorney general. Cornell University also supported the appointment of a special prosecutor and the efforts to amend New York State's rape law, committing to an independent review of how the case has been managed.