Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced Monday that the investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University in 2024 will be reopened. The decision follows a lawsuit filed earlier this month by a woman, identified as Jane Doe, who claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple individuals at a fraternity house over several hours.
Van Houten stated in a written release that he has begun reviewing the case, starting with discussions with Doe and her legal representatives. Once appropriate charges are determined, the case will be presented to the Tompkins County Grand Jury. The DA noted that the grand jury will consider both Doe’s testimony and any new evidence highlighted in the civil complaint. If the grand jury votes to indict any of the seven involved fraternity members, the office will prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law.
According to the lawsuit, Doe, who was 20 years old in 2024, alleges that she visited the Chi Phi fraternity house while intoxicated and was pressured into snorting ketamine by two brothers. The complaint claims a message was subsequently sent to the fraternity’s Snapchat group chat suggesting a woman was available for sex, leading to the arrival of more men and a multi-hour assault. Doe reported the incident to university police approximately three weeks after the event.
Van Houten explained that the initial decision not to file criminal charges in November 2024 was based on a sworn statement from Doe that differed significantly from the current lawsuit. In that statement, which is described as a six-page document, Doe allegedly characterized her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary and consensual. Van Houten emphasized that his office was not contacted by Doe’s attorneys to correct the original statement or request a reconsideration until after the lawsuit was filed.
The DA further clarified that the previous decision was not made because the case would be difficult to prove in court, but because the facts presented in the original statement did not constitute a crime. He asserted that the credibility of the complainant, who provided detailed accounts, was never questioned.
Cornell University issued a statement supporting the DA’s decision to allow a criminal grand jury to hear the victim’s account. The university also highlighted the findings of its separate Title IX investigation, which concluded with sanctions including expulsions and suspensions for the involved individuals. Cornell confirmed that the Chi Phi chapter was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus. The university rejected suggestions that penalties were minimal, stating that such narratives are irresponsible and harmful to survivors.
Chi Phi national headquarters responded to the initial lawsuit by condemning sexual violence and affirming the organization’s commitment to treating those who report sexual violence with compassion and respect. While acknowledging the pending litigation, the fraternity stated it cannot discuss specific allegations but emphasizes its responsibility to approach the matter with care.
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Interesting that the DA cited voluntary participation initially. That stark contrast between the sworn statement and the lawsuit is worrying.
Cornell closing the chapter is a start, but justice needs to happen in court too. The survivors deserve to be heard properly.
Title IX penalties were already harsh. Hopefully, the grand jury brings true accountability now rather than just institutional damage control.
I’m stunned that the original statement changed so drastically. Three weeks is a long time to wait before reporting; how does that impact credibility?
This reversal is significant. It shows that civil litigation can sometimes uncover evidence criminal investigations miss, even years later.