Jacqueline Kelly appointed to lead Cornell investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James appointed former prosecutor Jacqueline Kelly to lead the investigation. The appointment drew support from lawyers for the accuser and some defense lawyers, while disputes over James’s role and the allegations remain unresolved.

• Kelly was appointed to lead the investigation into allegations connected to a Cornell fraternity party. James said the investigation would be fair and guided by facts, evidence, and law.· 2 sources
• The Tompkins County district attorney declined to bring charges after reviewing Jane Doe’s six-page statement; the office did not review additional statements from her and other interviewees, records show.· 1 source
• Jane Doe’s lawyer welcomed Kelly’s appointment and said he expected a broad inquiry. Lawyers for two accused men had sought to disqualify James, citing her prior social media comments; those requests were pending.· 1 source
• A lawyer for one defendant also welcomed Kelly’s appointment but said concerns about James’s involvement remained. Another defense lawyer questioned the choice of Kelly and argued James’s earlier comments prejudged the case.· 1 source
• Kelly previously worked on investigations and prosecutions involving Sean Combs and other defendants. The supplied reporting says Combs was convicted on prostitution-related counts and acquitted on more serious sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy counts.· 2 sources