Drugging, Snapchat Messages, Alleged Gang Rape: Inside the Cornell University Assault Case

New York prosecutors have reopened an investigation into allegations that seven Cornell University fraternity members drugged and s*xually assaulted a former student at the Chi Phi fraternity house in 2024. The development comes after the woman, identified as Jane Doe in a civil lawsuit, sued Cornell University and the fraternity members over the alleged assault and the university's handling of the case.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten told ABC News that prosecutors intend to reexamine the case and could present it to a grand jury with Jane Doe's cooperation. The earlier review had concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Van Houten said prosecutors now want to determine whether additional evidence contained in the civil lawsuit could alter that assessment.

What Happened At Cornell's Chi Phi House?

According to the lawsuit filed in New York, Jane Doe was 20 and a Cornell student when the alleged incident took place in October 2024. She alleges that after visiting the Chi Phi fraternity house, two fraternity members pressured her to take what she was told was ketamine before she was s*xually assaulted. US: Former Teacher Who Gifted Student S*x Toy Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison.

The lawsuit alleges that multiple men subsequently entered the room and assaulted her. It also cites a Snapchat group called "Chi Phi Actives", where a message allegedly invited other fraternity members upstairs.

According to the complaint, one of the messages said there was "free p***y" upstairs. The lawsuit alleges that more men arrived after the message and that the assault continued for hours. Former US Army Soldier Sentenced to Life in Prison for S*xual Abuse, Including Choking and Beating 2 Minors.

The seven men named as defendants in the lawsuit are Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar. The allegations against them have not been proven in court.

Why Has The Case Been Reopened?

Van Houten said the allegations described in the civil lawsuit are "dramatically different" from the statement Jane Doe gave to police in 2024. He said prosecutors want to determine whether evidence now available was not known to them during their earlier review.

"It's our intention to present the case to the Tompkins County grand jury with Jane Doe's cooperation," Van Houten told ABC News. "We want to reexamine whether there's additional evidence that we were not aware of in November of 2024, that exists now that would change our assessment of the case and would result in the grand jury finding that there was criminal conduct."

Van Houten also said his office had relied on the Cornell University Police Department's investigation and had not independently investigated the allegations at the time.

Jane Doe's Attorney Responds

Jane Doe's attorney Thomas Giuffra disputed the suggestion that the earlier investigation had fully addressed the allegations. He said the Snapchat messages cited in the lawsuit were important evidence.

"My client went to the Cornell University Police because a crime was committed. It was the obligation of the police to investigate the complaints. They were given the group chat inviting the members of the fraternity to rape my client. This was a critical piece of evidence supporting that a crime had occurred. Despite this there was no follow-up with Ms. Doe either by the Cornell Police or the Tompkins County District Attorney," Giuffra said.

What Did Cornell Say?

Cornell said its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards had investigated and adjudicated the allegations according to university policies. The university said the Xi chapter of Chi Phi remains barred from campus.

"Federal privacy law prohibits Cornell from disclosing specific information regarding individual students, and we therefore are unable to make a public statement on any other disciplinary response. Violations of university policies could lead to sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion. We will respond in detail through the legal process," Cornell said.

The university also said it subsequently launched a task force on s*xual assault and introduced policy changes.

Chi Phi Says Allegations Are 'Deeply Concerning'

Chi Phi's national headquarters said it was aware of the lawsuit and could not discuss specific allegations because of the ongoing litigation.

"The s*xual assault allegations involving parties at Cornell University are deeply concerning. Anyone who reports s*xual violence deserves to be heard and treated with compassion, dignity, and respect," the fraternity said.

"We are aware of the lawsuit concerning an alleged incident in 2024. While we cannot discuss the specific allegations during pending litigation, we take this matter seriously. Our responsibility is to approach this with care for those affected and respect for a fair legal process," it added.

The renewed criminal review does not mean charges have been filed. Prosecutors are examining whether the evidence warrants further action, while the civil lawsuit remains pending.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 05:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).