ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — The Tompkins County Legislature will vote on a resolution tonight that seeks a review of the district attorney’s office.
The resolution cites questions raised about how DA investigators handled the Cornell Jane Doe case in 2024.
“RESOLVED That the Tompkins County Legislature hereby authorizes an expenditure not to exceed $200,000 from the 2026 Contingency Fund to retain, through applicable Tompkins County procurement procedures, an independent investigator or firm to conduct a comprehensive review of the District Attorney’s Office’s policies, practices, procedures, and handling of sexual-assault cases, including cases in which charges were declined, prosecution was not pursued, charges were dismissed, or prosecution was otherwise discontinued, in order to identify any patterns or disparities in case review, charging decisions, victim communication, or case outcomes,” according to language in the resolution, which is being introduced by Legislator Irene Weiser.
In September, District Attorney Matt Van Houten announced his office would re-open the case after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against Cornell, her alleged attackers, and other parties. Gov. Hochul soon replaced Van Houten with Attorney General Letitia James, who’s serving as special prosecutor.
Legislators meet tonight at 5:30 p.m.
