New York state prosecutors say they will reopen a criminal inquiry into the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University in 2024.
The woman filed a civil lawsuit on 16 September alleging she was drugged and raped by multiple people at a fraternity house on‑campus.
"Once we determine the appropriate charges, the case will be prosecuted in the most objective and impartial means possible" through a grand jury, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said Monday.
Cornell University said it supported the case being taken before a grand jury and denied claims the university failed to impose consequential punishments for involved parties.
The woman, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges that on the night of 19 October 2024 seven men from Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity allegedly assaulted her amid alcohol and the drug ketamine. She said she was intoxicated and incapable of giving consent.
Jane Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police on 8 November 2024. The lawsuit also includes a purported Snapchat group‑chat image warning other members about a potential encounter with her.
At the time of the assault two years ago, Van Houten’s office concluded evidence from her statement did not meet the threshold for charges. He has since reached out to Jane Doe and her lawyers to request more information.
In the U.S. legal system, prosecutors convene grand juries to weigh evidence and may vote to file criminal charges.
Van Houten included a summary of Jane Doe’s sworn statement, which differed from the allegations in the lawsuit. He pointed out her statement did “not allege that she was drugged against her will or gang‑raped”; instead it described voluntary participation in drug and sexual conduct.
He noted that Jane Doe’s lawyers had never contacted him to question the earlier decision not to bring charges. He also acknowledged that victims of sexual assault often need extensive therapy and healing before they can fully process the event.
Jane Doe’s lawyer Thomas Giuffra said the victim was traumatized and had not spoken to anyone else after filing the complaint. He noted the usual investigative sequence had not occurred.
Giuffra said he perceived the district attorney’s stance as evidence of institutional failures and defensive tactics that excuse lapses.
In her civil suit, Jane Doe also alleges Cornell failed to protect her and punished the men only by requiring them to write essays. She claims the retaliation caused severe emotional distress and physical injury.
Cornell issued a public statement in November 2024, suspending the Chi Phi local chapter and several students while investigating. The university also opened an internal and Title IX civil‑rights inquiry.
The university disputed the plaintiff’s claim of inadequate investigation, asserting that sanctions including expulsions and suspensions were imposed by a trained faculty panel.
One of the men named in the lawsuit has a lawyer—Jeremy Saland—who denied the allegations. Saland acknowledged a comment on Snapchat but denied involvement in sexual activity or ketamine ingestion.
The case has drawn national attention, with several celebrities such as actress Florence Pugh speaking out. If you are experiencing distress, consult a health professional or contact support organisations at Befrienders worldwide. Befrienders Worldwide.
For UK-based help, visit ActionLine.
