The investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University in 2024 is being reopened, according to authorities. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by a woman who claimed she was drugged and raped by multiple individuals at a fraternity house.
Reopening of the Investigation
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced the reopening. He stated that community requests prompted him to revisit the decision on whether to pursue criminal charges against seven fraternity members. The process begins with conversations with Jane Doe and her attorneys. The case will be presented to the Tompkins County Grand Jury once appropriate charges are determined.
The Grand Jury will consider Jane Doe’s testimony and any new evidence from the civil complaint. If they vote to indict, the office will prosecute the charges to the fullest extent of the law.
Details of the Lawsuit
Jane Doe, 20 at the time, alleged she was drugged and raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, noted two of the accused were expelled after an investigation, but no arrests occurred. Doe claimed she was pressured into drug use and raped for hours after a message in a frat group chat suggested she was available for sex. She reported the incident to the university police weeks later.
DA’s Statement on Original Allegations
Van Houten said Doe’s sworn statement in November 2024 differed significantly. Her statement described voluntary participation in drug use and sexual activities. This account influenced the original decision not to file charges. He reached out to Doe’s attorneys after the lawsuit was filed to discuss the discrepancies.
Van Houten received a six-page document from Cornell police in 2024, signed by Doe, which provided a different narrative from the lawsuit. He emphasized the decision not to pursue charges was due to the lack of criminal elements in the statement, not the case’s difficulty.
The Ithaca Police Department expressed concern over the allegations, as they were not initially informed.
Response from Jane Doe’s Attorney
Giuffra released a statement after the DA’s decision to reopen the case. He mentioned Doe’s trauma following the incident limited her initial ability to report it fully. He questioned the thoroughness of the original investigation, noting that Doe only spoke with the initial responding officer.
Giuffra criticized any defense blaming Doe for failures in the process but supported efforts to prosecute those responsible.
Cornell University and Chi Phi Fraternity’s Response
Cornell University supports the decision to present the case to a grand jury. A separate Title IX investigation led to temporary suspensions and other measures, resulting in expulsions and suspensions following a hearing.
Cornell’s Title IX process remains distinct from criminal proceedings. The Chi Phi fraternity chapter was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus. The university asserts that any suggestion of minimal consequences is false, impacting sexual assault reporting and survivor support.
The Chi Phi national headquarters condemned sexual violence, emphasizing their principles and commitment to a fair process. They acknowledged the lawsuit but refrained from discussing ongoing litigation.