New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to investigate allegations that a Cornell University student was sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in 2024. 

The case was initially closed without criminal charges, but the local district attorney reopened the investigation after new information and a civil lawsuit brought renewed attention to the allegations. 

The woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, alleges that she was given drugs and alcohol and sexually assaulted while incapacitated at a Chi Phi fraternity house.

Hochul said newly released information raised serious questions about the original investigation and undermined her confidence in the local district attorney’s ability to handle the case, The Guardian has reported.

James will now oversee the investigation and can present evidence to a grand jury if prosecutors determine that criminal charges are warranted.