New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the alleged 2024 gang rape case at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity.

The governor said she had “lost faith” in the Tompkins County district attorney’s handling of the case.

The alleged attack took place in October 2024. No charges have been filed so far. The victim’s family has criticised the pace of the investigation.

James will now lead the prosecution independently. Hochul said the move ensures the case gets a fair review.

The decision marks a rare intervention by a governor in a county prosecution. Cornell University has not commented on the appointment.

The case has drawn national attention to campus sexual assault. James’s office said it would review the evidence thoroughly.

The Chi Phi fraternity chapter has been suspended during the investigation. Campus groups have held protests demanding faster action. Legal experts say a special prosecutor could bring fresh momentum to the stalled case. The university said it is cooperating with investigators.