Editor’s note: This article concerns allegations that remain unproven. References to the alleged conduct are based on court filings and statements attributed to the parties or prosecutors. The defendants are entitled to due process.
A civil lawsuit filed this month has brought renewed national attention to a 2024 incident at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house and prompted prosecutors to reopen their criminal investigation.
The plaintiff alleges that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members. The lawsuit names seven former students and several other parties.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office is now reassessing the matter and intends to present the case to a grand jury. He has cited differences between the plaintiff’s initial account to campus police and the allegations in the civil complaint.
The plaintiff’s attorney disputes the prosecutor’s description and says evidence connected to the allegations should have received more attention during the original investigation.
Cornell has said it conducted its own disciplinary proceedings and that sanctions included expulsions and suspensions. The Chi Phi chapter involved remains barred from campus.
Several defendants have publicly denied or disputed the allegations through attorneys. The reopened investigation has not resulted in a criminal conviction or finding of guilt.
See our previous Cornell report for additional context.
Sources: Reuters, ABC News, CBS News.
External sources: Reuters | ABC News | CBS News | Wikimedia Commons image source.
External sources: Reuters | ABC News | CBS News | Wikimedia Commons image source.
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