Tompkins County prosecutors have reopened their review of potential charges over a former Cornell student's alleged 2024 gang rape, after she filed a civil suit accusing seven current and former Chi Phi members. The DA says evidence gathered then did not support charges.
District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said her police statement at the time did not allege drugging or gang rape and described her drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious and consensual. He said her credibility was never in question, prosecutors had contacted her and her attorneys, and the case would be prosecuted once appropriate charges are determined.
The 101-page suit says she reported the incident to campus police on Nov. 8, after which Cornell suspended the seven students and the fraternity chapter. It alleges she was visibly intoxicated and unable to consent, and that a message in a Chi Phi group chat brought more men into the room. Cornell said it investigated and adjudicated the allegations under university policies, but declined to discuss discipline, citing federal privacy law.
