New York prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into allegations of a sexual assault involving seven Cornell University students at a Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The decision follows a civil lawsuit filed earlier this month by a former Cornell student, bringing renewed public attention to why criminal charges were not filed when the allegations were initially reported.
District Attorney Plans Grand Jury Review
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office is reconsidering the case and plans to present evidence to a grand jury. The investigation centers on allegations involving seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe in the civil lawsuit, was 20 years old when the alleged incident occurred on Oct. 19, 2024. Her lawsuit claims she was heavily intoxicated after consuming alcohol and drugs and was subsequently sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members.
Van Houten said the decision not to pursue criminal charges in 2024 was based on the woman’s sworn statement to campus police at the time. According to the district attorney, that account described her drug use and sexual activity as voluntary and consensual and did not allege that she had been drugged without her knowledge or that she was physically incapable of consenting.
The district attorney has said the newly filed lawsuit contains allegations that differ substantially from the original account reviewed by prosecutors.
Civil Lawsuit Brings New Attention to Case
The lawsuit, filed in September, names the seven students along with Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity and other parties. It alleges that fraternity members pressured the woman to consume alcohol, marijuana and ketamine before the alleged assault.
The complaint also refers to messages exchanged in a Snapchat group involving fraternity members and describes events that allegedly occurred inside the fraternity house.
The woman’s attorney has disputed the district attorney’s characterization of her original statement, arguing that the police account was not materially different from the allegations contained in the civil lawsuit. Her legal team has also questioned the scope of the original investigation.
None of the seven individuals named in the lawsuit had been criminally charged in connection with the allegations when the investigation was reopened.
Cornell Says It Supports Renewed Investigation
Cornell University said it supports the district attorney’s decision to reconsider the case. The university said it previously conducted its own Title IX investigation, which is separate from a criminal investigation.
According to Cornell, the university imposed disciplinary measures that included expulsions and suspensions following its internal proceedings. The Chi Phi chapter involved in the allegations was also closed and remains barred from campus.
Attorneys representing at least some of the defendants have denied the allegations. One defense attorney said his client did not participate in sexual activity or assault and welcomed further investigation.
The reopened criminal investigation does not establish that the allegations have been proven. Prosecutors will now examine the available evidence and determine whether the matter should proceed through the grand jury process.
