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AG Tish James appoints attorney who oversaw ‘Diddy’ trial to probe ‘Cornell 7’ gang rape case
New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to investigate allegations that seven Cornell fraternity members raped a woman in 2024. The appointment brings in an outside lawyer with experience overseeing high-profile sex crimes cases, as the investigation faces scrutiny over James’s earlier public comments supporting the complainant.
Kelly, a Cornell graduate, supervised the federal prosecution of Sean “Diddy” Combs and also oversaw cases involving fashion executive Peter Nygard. The woman, identified in court as Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit two months ago accusing seven men of raping her at the Phi Chi fraternity house; all deny wrongdoing. James’s office says it began seeking outside counsel on the day Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her special prosecutor on 1 October.
In short
- Jacqueline Kelly will lead an outside investigation into allegations involving seven Cornell fraternity members.
- The accuser sued two months ago; all seven men deny wrongdoing.
- James’s earlier public comments prompted calls for her to recuse herself.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Appointing an experienced outside prosecutor could bring specialist expertise and an independent perspective to a sensitive investigation, helping establish the facts and build public confidence. James’s office says it began seeking outside counsel when she was appointed special prosecutor, which supports the view that the appointment is a practical step rather than a response to criticism.
The case against
James’s earlier public comments supporting the complainant may raise questions about whether her office can approach the investigation with sufficient impartiality, even if an outside lawyer is now involved. The appointment alone may not settle those concerns, so critics could reasonably seek clear safeguards showing that Kelly can investigate independently and that the accused receive fair treatment.