Full Breakdown
Cornell Rape Allegations Prompt University Discipline and State Legal Review
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In the early hours of October 19, 2024, a 20-year-old Cornell undergraduate identified in court filings as Jane Doe alleged that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity drugged her with ketamine and alcohol and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts while she was incapacitated. The alleged assault spanned several hours and involved a Snapchat message that invited additional fraternity members to join the encounter.
Background & Context
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges in 2024, citing the victim’s initial statement, which did not allege forced drugging or rape. New York law distinguishes between voluntary intoxication and involuntary incapacitation, a distinction criticized by sexual-assault advocates. A 2025 Cornell Survey found that 35 % of undergraduate women reported non-consensual sexual contact involving force or incapacitation, with 52 % of Greek-affiliated women reporting similar experiences.
Disciplinary Findings & Data
The Title IX panel imposed:
- Expulsions – Matthew Ingalls and Jonathan Newell were expelled and found responsible for sexual assault.
- Suspensions & Probation – Winston Lee received a two-year suspension with probation; Gillio Lopes received a three-semester suspension and two-year probation. Both were ordered not to contact Jane Doe and to complete sexual-harassment training.
- Persona non-grata – Diego Sarabia, who had already graduated, was barred from campus for three years after being accused of non-consensual kissing.
- Lesser offenses – Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar were ordered not to contact the victim, to study sexual-harassment and bystander-intervention courses, and to write reflection papers. Kretzschmar was found responsible for attempted sexual exploitation, not rape.
Official Statements & Responses
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff called the incident “deeply disturbing” and said the university “must do better” in investigating and supporting survivors. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten maintained that the victim’s sworn statement did not allege drugging or gang rape, and that the facts “do not constitute a crime.” Attorney General Letitia James announced an “active criminal investigation” and the authority to present evidence to a grand jury.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The university initially claimed it had shared “all investigatory information” with the district attorney, but later clarified that only a six-page summary and a Snapchat screenshot were provided. These discrepancies have fueled calls for a transparent, independent review.
What’s Next
Attorney General Letitia James will lead the state-level criminal investigation and may present evidence to a grand jury. Governor Hochul has ordered an independent external review of Cornell’s handling of the case, though no timeline has been disclosed. The university has pledged greater transparency and a review of fraternity policies while awaiting the outcome of the special-prosecutor inquiry.