The criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity house has been reopened. This decision follows a community outcry demanding justice, according to Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten.
Van Houten emphasized his commitment to pursuing justice after a former student filed a civil complaint on September 16. The complaint alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven members, both former and current, of the fraternity.
In a statement obtained by Newsweek, Van Houten expressed the community’s request to reconsider pursuing criminal charges. He has already begun the process, starting conversations with the complainant, referred to as Jane Doe, and her lawyers.
A senior prosecutor is preparing the case for a grand jury, which will include the alleged victim’s testimony and any new evidence from her civil lawsuit. Van Houten mentioned the office’s commitment to prosecuting any indictments issued by the grand jury.
Jeremy Saland, representing one of the accused, described the allegations as “intentionally dishonest” and “morally repugnant.”
Cornell University supports the reopening of the criminal investigation. The school indicated its support for the DA’s decision to allow the victim’s story to be presented to a criminal grand jury.
The alleged assault was reported to campus and Ithaca police a week after the student met Matthew Ingalls, one of the accused, in October 2024. The student declined an offer of a threesome and claims pressure to use drugs and alcohol, leading to non-consensual sexual acts by Ingalls and others.
Initially, no charges were filed in 2024 because the victim’s statement indicated voluntary participation. Van Houten explained decisions at the time could not be based on a lawsuit filed years later.
The prosecutor contacted Jane Doe’s attorneys to understand discrepancies between her initial account and later civil charges.
Saland maintains the allegations are reckless, accusing Jane Doe of spreading falsehoods. He referenced a hair test showing no ketamine use by his client, Kretzschmar, and criticized the handling of information during the Title IX investigation.
The reopening of the investigation comes amid doubts and skepticism. Saland draws parallels to the Duke Lacrosse case, urging objective examination of facts before judgment. He claims his client faces harassment online and threats due to the false allegations.
Cornell undertook a Title IX investigation following the allegations. This process involved temporary suspensions and a hearing after which sanctions were issued, ranging from expulsions to suspensions. The university denied offering essay writing as a sole punishment for those accused.
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