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Cornell 7 criminal investigation to be led by former Diddy prosecutor after NY AG Letitia James was accused of being too biased to oversee it
New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead the criminal investigation into a former Cornell student’s allegations of sexual assault at a fraternity party. James stepped back after one of the men named in a civil lawsuit argued that her public expression of support for the woman showed bias; the appointment aims to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry.
The alleged assault took place in October 2024, and the woman, identified as Jane Doe, has accused several Chi Phi fraternity members, all of whom deny wrongdoing. None has been charged with a crime. Kelly, now a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, supervised the federal investigation and prosecution of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted on two prostitution-related transport counts and acquitted of more serious charges.
In short
- Jacqueline Kelly will lead the Cornell 7 criminal investigation.
- Letitia James stepped back after an accused man alleged bias.
- The men deny wrongdoing, and none has been charged.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Having an independent prosecutor lead the inquiry can strengthen confidence that the allegations will be examined fairly, especially after a person named in the civil lawsuit challenged the attorney general’s impartiality. Kelly’s prosecutorial experience may help ensure a thorough investigation, while stepping aside does not determine the merits of the allegations or the denials.
The case against
James’s public support for the woman does not by itself establish that she could not oversee an impartial investigation, and appointing a new lead in response to one defendant’s challenge may invite doubts about whether such objections can influence who investigates. The change could also raise questions about whether the inquiry’s independence is substantive or mainly intended to reassure the parties and public.