NY attorney general names former prosecutor to lead Cornell assault probe

The Guardian reported that New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed former prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to head a criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations at Cornell University. Kelly, a Cornell alum, previously worked on the Sean “Diddy” Combs case and served as chief of the civil rights unit in the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. James named her as outside counsel, tasking her with conducting a “fair and comprehensive criminal investigation”. In the role, Kelly will report directly to the attorney general’s office.

The appointment signals a move to bring an experienced civil‑rights lawyer into the university’s 2024 case, aiming to ensure the inquiry is thorough and independent.

Why it matters

The investigation will be overseen by a senior state official, potentially increasing accountability in handling campus sexual assault allegations.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

4 Nov 2026, 23:01 IST

Key names

Letitia James, Cornell University, Jacqueline Kelly, Cornell

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianLetitia James appoints ex-prosecutor to lead Cornell sexual assault investigation 4 Nov, 23:01

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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