New York AG Letitia James Appoints Former Prosecutor to Lead Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James has selected a former prosecutor from the Sean “Diddy” Combs case to lead a criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations at Cornell University in 2024.

On Wednesday, James appointed Cornell alumnus Jacqueline Kelly as outside counsel to head a fair and comprehensive criminal investigation. Kelly previously led the civil‑rights unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and will report directly to James’s office.

“The Office of the Attorney General is committed to a thorough investigation guided only by the facts, the evidence, and the law,” James said, adding: “Jacqueline Kelly is a seasoned prosecutor who has overseen numerous cases from investigation through trial. With her criminal legal expertise, commitment to public service, and judicial experience, I am confident that she will lead a fair and comprehensive investigation.”

Kelly, in her own statement, thanked Attorney General James for entrusting her with the investigation. She emphasized that all New Yorkers deserve a fair and thorough inquiry into the facts, and expressed enthusiasm to apply her federal prosecutes’ experience to the Office of the Attorney General as the investigation proceeds.

During her tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office through 2021, Kelly oversaw several high‑profile criminal investigations, including cases involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard, and Dr. Ricardo Cruciani, who faced charges of sex trafficking and sexual abuse.

Kelly’s appointment follows a decision by Governor Kathy Hochul to designate James as special prosecutor in the case, citing a loss of confidence in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s ability to lead the investigation, especially after his 2024 decision not to prosecute.

Governor Hochul stressed that those sworn to protect Jane Doe—including law‑enforcement officials—had failed in that duty. The reopened case revolves around allegations that seven fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted the student over a seven‑hour period in October 2024.

The absence of any arrests, combined with the student’s filing of a civil lawsuit earlier this fall, generated intense public backlash and criticism directed at the university and law‑enforcement agencies.

Attorneys for one of the accused men have challenged James’s appointment, alleging bias related to a statement she made on X prior to her appointment. In the post, James expressed that the victim endured “horrific and unacceptable” conduct, that she stands in the victim’s heart and prayers, and urges survivors to remain united.

During a hearing last Thursday in New York County, Judge James R Farrell evaluated whether James was capable of impartially overseeing the investigation. He deferred a decision on any removal until the accused parties filed requests to participate.

Farrell noted, “It is not a one‑defendant case; with potentially seven accused individuals, each would require separate proceedings.”

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