Prosecutor reopens investigation into gang rape allegations at Cornell following lawsuit filed by the accuser.
A New York prosecutor has announced the reopening of an investigation into serious allegations of gang rape connected to a fraternity at Cornell University. This development follows a lawsuit filed by a woman claiming she was sexually assaulted in 2024 by seven students after being allegedly coerced into consuming alcohol and drugs.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten indicated that his office plans to present evidence to a grand jury, responding to public concerns regarding the absence of criminal charges in this case. The lawsuit, submitted on September 16, alleges that the assault occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity house after the plaintiff was pressured into snorting ketamine and consuming alcohol and marijuana. The woman is seeking undisclosed damages from the seven men implicated, the Chi Phi fraternity, Cornell University, a bar in Ithaca, and others associated with the alleged incident.
Interestingly, while the woman reported the incident to campus police at the time, Van Houten pointed out that her initial sworn statement did not mention gang rape or the claims of drugging that are now central to her lawsuit. He stated that he has not received any communication from the woman’s attorney regarding her initial testimony or a request to reassess the earlier decision not to pursue prosecution.
In response to the reopening of the case, Cornell University expressed support for the district attorney’s actions. The university reported that it carried out its own internal investigation, which resulted in sanctions against implicated students, including expulsions and suspensions. The Chi Phi chapter was shut down in 2024 and remains prohibited from operating on campus. Cornell officials did not specify the number of students expelled or suspended, but they emphasized that the university imposed credible consequences for those involved in the incident.
In a statement addressing public discourse surrounding the allegations, the university criticized claims suggesting a lack of serious repercussions, asserting that such assertions could contribute to an unsafe environment for survivors of sexual assault. The university’s internal investigation featured a panel of trained faculty and staff who heard evidence over multiple days, allowing both the accuser and the accused to present their cases.
Since the lawsuit was filed, the district attorney’s office reportedly received a significant number of communications from the public, expressing both support and hostility regarding the case. The woman’s attorney has yet to comment on the latest developments concerning the reopened investigation. This case continues to draw significant attention, highlighting the pressing issues related to sexual assault and accountability within educational institutions.
Media News Source provides ongoing coverage of this developing situation as it unfolds.
