📅 Date: September 29, 2026
📍 Location: Ithaca, New York
📰 Source: CNN
🏷️ Topic: Cornell University, sexual assault investigation and Chi Phi fraternity
New details have emerged in the investigation into allegations that a former Cornell University student was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024, as prosecutors in New York reopen the criminal case.
The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, filed a 101-page civil lawsuit this month accusing seven current or former Chi Phi members of sexually assaulting her after she had consumed alcohol and drugs. She also accuses Cornell University and other organizations of failing to adequately protect her and respond to the allegations. The claims remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office said it is reexamining the case and preparing for possible presentation to a grand jury. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said the decision followed renewed public scrutiny and the filing of the civil lawsuit. A senior prosecutor with experience in sex-crime cases has been assigned to prepare the matter.
A major point of dispute is what Jane Doe told investigators in November 2024. Van Houten has said her original statement differed significantly from the allegations in the new lawsuit, including whether she was drugged without her knowledge and whether the sexual activity was nonconsensual. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, disputes that characterization and says the original report was not materially different from the allegations now contained in the lawsuit.
Newly reported Snapchat messages have also drawn attention. CBS News reported that a fraternity group conversation from the night of the alleged incident included messages indicating that a woman was upstairs and available for sex. The messages are now part of the renewed public and legal scrutiny, although their significance to potential criminal charges remains for investigators and prosecutors to determine.
Messages reportedly exchanged between Jane Doe and one of the men days after the alleged incident have also been released. In one exchange, the man appeared to apologize for “how things went down” and said his memory was unclear because of intoxication. Doe responded that her own memory was also clouded and that everyone had been drinking. The messages alone do not establish what occurred during the alleged assault.
Attorneys for several men named in the lawsuit have denied the allegations. One defense attorney said his client never sexually assaulted or touched Doe, while another said his client was in the room only briefly and denied the specific allegations against him. Defense attorneys have emphasized that allegations in a civil lawsuit are not proof of criminal conduct.
Cornell University said it supports the district attorney’s decision to reopen the criminal investigation. The university has also defended its previous response, saying it conducted a months-long Title IX investigation and imposed suspensions and expulsions after a panel reviewed evidence. Cornell said the Chi Phi chapter has been barred from campus since 2024.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for an independent review of Cornell’s handling of the allegations, saying there are broader questions about the university’s systems for preventing, reporting and responding to sexual assault. The renewed criminal investigation and separate review could now bring additional scrutiny to how the case was handled in 2024.
No criminal charges have been filed against the seven men named in the lawsuit. Prosecutors are expected to review the available evidence before determining what charges, if any, should be presented to a grand jury.
CNN Original Article
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