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Former federal prosecutor to lead reopened Cornell assault inquiry
New York attorney general Letitia James has appointed former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead the criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations involving a Cornell University student. The inquiry was reopened after the local district attorney declined to prosecute in 2024, drawing criticism of the handling of the case and the university.
The allegations concern seven fraternity members who the student says drugged and sexually assaulted her over seven hours in October 2024; no arrests have been made, and she has filed a civil lawsuit. Kelly, a Cornell alumna who worked on cases involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and others, will report directly to James’s office. One accused man has challenged James’s role over a supportive social media post, but a judge has deferred a decision until all seven defendants join the request.
In short
- Jacqueline Kelly will lead the reopened Cornell investigation.
- The allegations involve seven fraternity members and a 2024 incident.
- A judge has yet to rule on a challenge to James’s role.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reopening the inquiry under an experienced former federal prosecutor could help establish whether the allegations warrant criminal charges, particularly after criticism of the earlier decision not to prosecute. Reporting directly to the attorney general may also reassure the public that the investigation will be thorough and independent of local pressures.
The case against
A renewed criminal inquiry can be justified only if it remains impartial, evidence-led and fair to everyone involved; reopening a case after a prosecutor declined to charge may raise concerns about pressure or second-guessing that decision. The attorney general’s supportive social media post about the student could also create a reasonable concern about perceived impartiality, even though a judge has not yet ruled on the challenge to her role.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Letitia James appoints ex-prosecutor to lead Cornell sexual assault investigation”.