New York Governor Kathy Hochul has sharply criticized how authorities handled a rape investigation tied to Cornell University, saying the alleged victim was let down at every stage. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe, says she was drugged and raped by multiple men at a fraternity house in 2024. Local prosecutors investigated at the time but filed no charges.
The case drew fresh national attention after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against the Ivy League school last month. At a Friday news conference, Hochul said she had lost confidence in the local district attorney’s ability to oversee the matter and announced that state Attorney General Letitia James would now lead the investigation, interviewing witnesses and pursuing charges if the evidence supports it.
Hochul also pledged to push for changes to state law, closing what she called a “loophole” that makes it harder to prosecute rape cases when a victim had voluntarily used drugs or alcohol beforehand — as Jane Doe reportedly had that night. “Voluntary intoxication is not a license for gang rape,” Hochul said.
The district attorney who declined to bring charges says Cornell did not share all relevant evidence with his office, a claim the university disputes. Jane Doe’s lawyer says she has faced harassment online as people attempt to identify her. A bill addressing the consent loophole has been pending in the state legislature since 2019.
For the full report, visit the original BBC News article.
Source: Woman at centre of Cornell rape inquiry was 'failed' by officials, says New York governor (feeds.bbci.co.uk).
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