Full Breakdown
Cornell Fraternity Rape Allegations Prompt Reopened Criminal Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Reopening of the Criminal Investigation
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that his office will present the case to a grand jury after a civil lawsuit filed on September 16 revived public scrutiny of the 2024 incident at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house. Van Houten said the new filing provides “additional evidence” that warrants a fresh review and that “once we determine the appropriate charges, the case will be prosecuted … by testimony to the Tompkins County Grand Jury.”
Background & Prior University Actions
The alleged assault occurred on the night of October 19, 2024. The complainant, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, reported the incident to Cornell University Police on November 8, 2024. The Chi Phi Xi chapter was permanently closed in 2024 and barred from campus.
Official Statements & Responses
- “It should not need to be said, but we will say it plainly: Chi Phi condemns sexual assault and drug and alcohol abuse in the strongest possible terms,” — Trey Robb, fraternity interim executive.
- “Jane Doe's sworn statement in November of 2024 did not allege that she was drugged against her will or gang raped,” — Van Houten, district attorney. He added, “It is challenging for me to understand how a thorough criminal investigation could have been conducted when she never spoke with anyone other than the officer who took her original complaint.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Attorney Thomas Giuffra for Jane Doe argued that “not one of these guys was arrested. Not one. That I can tell you for a fact,” criticizing the lack of follow-up after the initial police interview.
- Ithaca Police Department (as quoted by CBS) warned that “a continuation of the false narrative that there were minimal consequences in this case is irresponsible, will make survivors feel less safe and supported, and will perpetuate the underreporting of sexual assault.”
What’s Next
Van Houten indicated his office aims to bring the matter before a grand jury within the next 45 days, seeking “additional evidence” that may have been unavailable in 2024. The grand jury will consider the civil complaint, the Snapchat chat evidence, and any new testimony.
---
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jane Doe's sworn statement in November of 2024 did not allege that she was drugged against her will or gang raped,” — Van Houten, district attorney
- “Once we determine the appropriate charges, the case will be prosecuted in the most objective and impartial means available – by testimony to the Tompkins County Grand Jury,” — Van Houten, district attorney
- “It should not need to be said, but we will say it plainly: Chi Phi condemns sexual assault and drug and alcohol abuse in the strongest possible terms,” — Trey Robb, fraternity interim executive
- “Not one of these guys was arrested. Not one. That I can tell you for a fact,” — Thomas Giuffra, attorney
- “It is challenging for me to understand how a thorough criminal investigation could have been conducted when she never spoke with anyone other than the officer who took her original complaint.” — Van Houten, district attorney