Cornell University Rape Case Reopened as Prosecutors Revisit 2024 Allegations
Prosecutors in New York have reopened a criminal investigation into allegations of a gang rape at Cornell University after a recently filed civil lawsuit brought renewed attention to the case.
The allegations involve seven former members of the Chi Phi fraternity and date back to October 2024. The woman involved, identified in the civil lawsuit as Jane Doe, was 20 years old at the time.
Civil Lawsuit Renewed Attention
The case returned to public attention after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month against Cornell University, seven former fraternity members and other defendants.
The defendants named in the lawsuit have denied the allegations, and the case remains under investigation.
Why Prosecutors Did Not Charge Anyone
Van Houten said his office did not pursue criminal charges in 2024 because of what Doe told Cornell University police at the time.
According to the district attorney, her sworn statement described her drug use and sexual activity as voluntary and consensual.
Lawyer Disputes Prosecutor’s Account
Doe’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, disputes the characterization of his client’s original report.
He has argued that the 2024 police account was not materially different from the allegations in the lawsuit. Giuffra also criticized the investigation, saying Doe was not subsequently interviewed by investigators specially trained to handle sexual assault cases.
He welcomed the decision to reopen the investigation but said the renewed inquiry must be thorough and examine available evidence.
The disagreement over what Doe told police in 2024 is now a central issue in the reopened investigation.
Cornell Conducted Its Own Investigation
The university said the investigation lasted several months and included a hearing where evidence was considered. Cornell said sanctions imposed on students involved included suspensions and expulsions.
The Chi Phi chapter involved in the case was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus, according to the university. Cornell also said it supports the district attorney’s decision to allow the allegations to be considered by a criminal grand jury.
Case Now Goes Back to Prosecutors
Van Houten said the renewed investigation will examine whether additional evidence is now available that could change the earlier assessment of the case.
The district attorney’s office plans to hear testimony and review evidence before presenting the matter to a grand jury. A grand jury could decide whether there is sufficient evidence to issue an indictment.
At least one attorney representing a defendant has denied the allegations and said his client did not sexually assault or touch Doe.
The reopened Cornell University rape case therefore remains at the investigation stage.
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