Matthew Van Houten is an American lawyer who has been serving as Tompkins County, New York District Attorney since 2017.
Early life and education Van Houten attended the United States Military Academy, and subsequently Albany Law School.https://www.ithacajournal.com/story/opinion/2016/11/03/van-houten-qualifications-pursue-justice/93236050/
Career Van Houten was elected Tompkins County District Attorney in 2016, assuming office on January 1, 2017. He was subsequently re-elected in 2020 and 2024.
2024 Cornell University rape allegations
In 2024, Van Houten decided against bringing charges against members of a Cornell University fraternity who had allegedly assaulted a woman, known as Jane Doe.
In September 2026, following widespread media coverage of the case, Van Houten announced his office was re-opening the investigation.
On October 2, 2026, New York governor Kathy Hochul removed Van Houten from the case, and appointed New York attorney general Leticia James as a special prosecutor to oversee the case. In a statement, Hochul said Van Houten's decision not to bring charges and the Cornell University Police Department's handling of the case had "undercut my faith, and the public's faith, in the district attorney's ability to effectively investigate and prosecute the case at this time."
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