Cornell rape case lawyer threatens to seek special prosecutor over DA handling
Attorney Thomas Giuffra says he may ask a judge to appoint a special prosecutor for the alleged gang-rape case at Cornell, criticizing the Tompkins County DA’s response.
The lawyer for the alleged victim in the Cornell fraternity gang-rape case, Thomas Giuffra, told the court he may petition a judge to install a special prosecutor, accusing Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten of gross mishandling. Giuffra described the DA’s approach as defensive and questioned whether the office is equipped to investigate the serious allegations. He also criticized Cornell University Police, saying they lack the training for major criminal investigations and failed to follow up on a Snapchat group chat and witness statements.
Van Houten announced a reopening of the probe after the plaintiff’s civil lawsuit was filed earlier this month. Both Governor Hochul and Ithaca’s mayor publicly rebuked Cornell for its investigative failures.
Why it matters
The move could shift control of a high-profile sexual assault case to an independent prosecutor, highlighting concerns over local law-enforcement competence.
How this story developed
- Sep 25 Student thought to be Korean named among defendants in Cornell sexual assault lawsuit
- Sep 28 Cornell confirmed the Chi Phi fraternity chapter remains barred from operating on campus.
- Sep 29 DA released excerpts of the survivor’s police statement and senior prosecutor began preparing the case for a grand jury.
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