ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — A newly-appointed special prosecutor has support in Tompkins County.
In a statement to 607 News Now, Legislative Chair Shawna Black says she backs Gov. Hochul’s decision to name Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in a Cornell rape investigation.
“I wholeheartedly support the decision of Governor Hochul to place a special prosecutor in the Cornell Jane Doe Case. At this point in the case, I hope there will be a full examination of the facts of the case and fair representation,” Black said. “We also must look at the systems that got us here. My hope is that the full process of this case and others before it will be under review by Attorney General Letitia James – both at the University level and local level.”
Black adds she’s hoping for a “full examination of the facts” and fair representation for Jane Doe, who filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell last month.
“Sexual assault on college campuses should not have a different process of being investigated and information disseminated than municipalities. Colleges and universities are not exempt from state law and have the same obligations to the victim and to the community as any other organization, if not an enhanced duty due to the nature of their relationship with young student populations.”
“On a state level, reform has to happen by the passing of S10362/S54A/A101 – which would allow sex crime allegations to be charged even if an intoxicated person consents.”
“The Tompkins County Legislature started the conversation last night and will continue in future weeks to deliberate and create a system with law enforcement and community partners that reflects a better way to support victims of sexual assault, collect statements fairly, and allow the process to play out in our judicial system.”
Hochul issued an executive order on Thursday that replaced Tompkins County DA Matt Van Houten with James, citing a loss in faith in both the DA and Cornell University Police Department.
