Ithaca prosecutors revive criminal probe into Cornell fraternity rape allegations
Prosecutors in Ithaca, New York, have reopened a criminal investigation into seven Cornell University students accused of drugging and raping a classmate at a fraternity. The allegations were detailed in a lawsuit filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe, which said the assault occurred in October 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity. The case has renewed scrutiny of how universities handle sexual assault accusations.
Prosecutors in Tompkins County said they would present the matter to a grand jury after reopening it. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten noted his office had received many calls and emails, including threats, following the civil suit. He said the woman’s November 2024 sworn account described her conduct as voluntary and consensual and did not claim she was drugged or gang raped.
The lawsuit, filed under Jane Doe in Manhattan state court, says the October 2024 attack at Chi Phi lasted over four hours. It alleges fraternity members gave her ketamine and engaged in sex without consent. The case has renewed scrutiny of how universities handle sexual assault accusations.
The revived inquiry may affect the accused students, the complainant, and Cornell’s campus community, as it could clarify whether criminal accountability follows allegations already aired in civil court. It may also influence how universities and prosecutors coordinate in sexual assault cases, potentially shaping trust among students who report misconduct. Because the matter remains unresolved, any broader social impact could depend on grand jury action and subsequent legal proceedings.