New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that the woman at the center of the Cornell University rape case was "failed" at "every turn." The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in legal documents, alleges that she was drugged and raped by several men at a fraternity house in 2024. Although the case was investigated at the time, no charges were filed. It has recently been reopened following a civil lawsuit filed by the woman last month, which brought the allegations into the national spotlight.
Investigation Reopened
During a news conference on Friday, Hochul expressed her deep disturbance regarding the handling of the investigation. She has appointed New York Attorney General Letitia James to lead the case after losing faith in the local prosecutor's ability to oversee it. Hochul criticized local prosecutors for not interviewing the accuser directly, stating:
“"This young woman had already endured something that is utterly unspeakable, and then at every turn she was failed by people and institutions with an obligation to protect her."
Hochul has also pledged to close a legal loophole that prevents prosecutors from pursuing rape charges when the victim has voluntarily consumed drugs or alcohol. Jane Doe is believed to have voluntarily taken drugs and alcohol on the night of the alleged gang rape. Hochul emphasized:
“"If someone is too intoxicated to consent it should not matter if they chose to use drugs or alcohol. Voluntary intoxication is not a licence for gang rape."
