Partner from firm that represented victims of Epstein appointed to lead Cornell 7 investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday appointed a partner from the law firm of Boies Schiller Flexner, which has represented victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, to lead the investigation into allegations by a Cornell University student that she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity party in 2024. 

Jacqueline Kelly, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan, will oversee a team of lawyers from both the attorney general's office and the law firm, the New York Times reported. 

The seven accused men have denied any wrongdoing, and none of them have been charged with a crime.

The announcement comes as a lawyer for two of them is asking a judge to remove James over what he argues is a demonstration of bias in the case. 

Earlier this month, Hochul took the case away from a local prosecutor who declined to bring criminal charges in 2024 and handed it to James as a special prosecutor. After being appointed to the case, James posted on X and Facebook comments that have drawn scrutiny of her impartiality. 

“What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable,” James posted to X and Facebook on Sept. 28, linking to a news article about the lawsuit. 

“I’m holding her in my heart and in my prayers. To her, and to all survivors: you’re not alone. We stand with you," James continued. 

James said in a news release that Kelly will lead a "fair and comprehensive investigation into the allegations." 

Kelly has overseen other high-profile sex crimes prosecutions, including the conviction of hip-hop mogul Sean Combs for prostitution-related offenses last year. 

"All New Yorkers deserve a fair and thorough inquiry into the facts of this case. I look forward to lending my years of experience as a federal prosecutor to the Office of the Attorney General as we examine all available evidence," Kelly said in a statement.