Sept. 28, 2026, 5:28 p.m. ET
New York prosecutors have reopened a sexual assault investigation at Cornell College after a younger lady accused members of a fraternity of raping her in October 2024.
The reopening comes after the girl filed a civil lawsuit in New York earlier this month alleging that a number of members of the Chi Phi fraternity took half in her sexual assault almost two years in the past, referring to the alleged assault as a “gang rape.” The criticism additionally accuses Cornell College of failing to guard the girl.
Tompkins County District Lawyer Matthew Van Houten confirmed to USA TODAY that the investigation into the alleged assault has been reopened.
Van Houten additionally stated fees weren’t introduced in November 2024, when the girl first gave an announcement to school police, as a result of she didn’t allege on the time that she was drugged or assaulted.
“Quite the opposite, Jane Doe’s assertion described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, acutely aware, and consensual,” he stated.
Calling the fraternity members’ alleged habits “disgusting and morally reprehensible,” Van Houten stated he has thought of bringing fees and has since contacted the girl’s attorneys.
“As soon as we decide the suitable fees, the case might be prosecuted in probably the most goal and neutral means accessible – by testimony to the Tompkins County Grand Jury,” Van Houten stated.
On Sept. 28, Cornell College stated it helps the choice to reopen the case.
“Cornell additionally performed an intensive Title IX investigation, which is separate from a felony continuing, over the course of a number of months,” the college stated. “Throughout that investigation, momentary suspensions and different restrictive measures had been used.”
USA TODAY contacted the Chi Phi fraternity on Sept. 28 for remark however didn’t instantly obtain a response.
Who was named within the civil lawsuit?
The girl and her attorneys named Cornell College, Chi Phi Fraternity, its Chapter Home Affiliation and belief and Tri Delta Sorority, amongst others, within the civil lawsuit.
Moreover, seven Cornell College college students the lawsuit alleges participated within the sexual assault are named. None have been criminally charged.
What allegedly occurred on Oct. 19, 2024?
The night time of the alleged sexual assault started when the younger lady attended a Tri Delta Sorority occasion and went to a number of bars. She was allegedly served alcohol at an institution regardless of having an “X” on her fingers to sign she was underage.
She later walked alone to the Chi Phi fraternity home on Cornell’s campus, the place she deliberate to see a buddy and one of many defendants, based on the lawsuit. By the point she bought to the fraternity, the girl was “visibly intoxicated,” the lawsuit stated. As soon as contained in the fraternity, she was allegedly led upstairs by a member.
She alleged that she was pressured to make use of the anesthetic drug ketamine with a number of fraternity members, together with utilizing marijuana and consuming extra alcohol earlier than the seven fraternity members allegedly assaulted her.
She accused a number of fraternity members of referencing the alleged assaults in a Snapchat group within the early hours of Oct. 20.
How did Cornell College reply?
The girl later wakened and returned to her sorority home. She reported the incident to Cornell College Police in November 2024. The identical month, the college launched an announcement saying that the allegations had been “severe and deeply disturbing.”
The college positioned the Chi Phi chapter and college students allegedly concerned on momentary suspension. Thomas Giuffra, the girl’s lawyer, instructed CBS Information that two of the fraternity members had been expelled and 5 others accomplished workshops and wrote essays.
The college stated it launched a Presidential Job Power on Campus Sexual Assault and issued a report in March 2026 that advisable Cornell College launch a sex-positive public well being messaging marketing campaign and develop extra programs on sexual citizenship, or recognizing your proper to sexual self-determination.
The girl is searching for a jury trial and damages from Chi Phi Fraternity, Cornell College and Tri Delta Sorority, amongst others, alleging duty.
If you happen to or somebody has skilled sexual violence, RAINN’s Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline gives free, confidential, 24/7 assist to survivors and their family members in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending staff. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. E-mail her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
