Cornell University Rape Investigation: What We Know About the Fraternity House Case
A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity house has been reopened after new attention was brought to the case by a civil lawsuit filed by a former student.
What Happened at the Cornell Fraternity?
According to the civil complaint, Jane Doe was a 20-year-old Cornell student when she went to the Chi Phi fraternity house on October 19, 2024.
The complaint alleges that she became heavily intoxicated and unable to consent before sexual assaults occurred.
The lawsuit says additional men subsequently entered the room.
The original investigation did not result in criminal charges.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office relied on the woman’s 2024 statement to Cornell police when making that decision.
According to Van Houten, her initial account described her drug and alcohol use and sexual activity as voluntary and consensual.
Criminal Investigation Has Been Reopened
Van Houten has acknowledged that the allegations in the lawsuit and the woman’s earlier police statement contain differences. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, disputes the suggestion that the accounts are materially different and has criticized investigators for not conducting additional follow-up at the time.
What Did Cornell Do?
The university said its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigated and adjudicated the allegations under university policies.
Cornell has not publicly identified individual disciplinary outcomes because federal privacy rules prevent the university from disclosing confidential student records. The university has confirmed that the Chi Phi chapter involved remains barred from campus.
Cornell said its earlier investigation resulted in sanctions that included expulsions and suspensions.
What Do the Accused Say?
An attorney for Scott Kretzschmar, one of the defendants, has denied the allegations and said his client did not sexually assault or touch the woman.
Another defendant, Scott Norris, said he did not participate in sexual activity or drug use. He acknowledged sending a message that appeared in the complaint but said he only briefly went to the room and was not present when the alleged misconduct occurred.
What Happens Next?
The most significant next step is the grand jury process.
Prosecutors will review the available evidence and determine whether there is sufficient basis to seek indictments. The reopened investigation may include the original police material, newly highlighted evidence and information contained in the civil lawsuit.
The case has also prompted renewed scrutiny of Cornell’s handling of sexual assault allegations and the broader issue of campus safety.
For now, no criminal conviction has occurred, and the allegations against the seven men remain allegations. The reopened Cornell University rape investigation will determine whether prosecutors ultimately bring criminal charges and whether the case proceeds to court.
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