CBS News New York has obtained new details in the Cornell University alleged gang rape lawsuit. The Tompkins County district attorney has reopened the criminal case, citing discrepancies between the victim’s original statement and the lawsuit’s allegations.
Fraternity Group Snapchat Revealed
New video footage from a fraternity’s group Snapchat conversation has emerged. The footage dates back to the night a former Cornell student reported being drugged and raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house. At 1:42 a.m., a message in the group chat suggested the availability of a woman for sex. A fraternity member asked, “Shop still open?” and received the reply, “Yea.”
Legal Representation and Defense
Attorney Thomas Giuffra, representing the woman known as Jane Doe, told CBS News New York that none of the accused individuals were arrested. Attorney Jeremy Saland represents Scott Kretzschmar, one of the seven defendants. The lawsuit accuses all seven of sexual assault and brings a sexual battery claim against each. It specifically alleges that Kretzschmar poured ketamine onto Doe’s body and snorted it.
When questioned by CBS News New York’s Mahsa Saeidi, Saland denied these allegations, citing a hair follicle test showing no ketamine in Kretzschmar’s system. Saland stated that his client saw the Snapchat messages, entered the room briefly, and left without witnessing Doe in distress.
Case Reopening by District Attorney
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced the reopening of the criminal investigation. Van Houten noted that Doe’s sworn statement in November 2024 did not mention being drugged or gang-raped against her will. She described her drug use and sexual activities as voluntary and consensual.
Giuffra argued that Doe was traumatized and in “self-preservation mode.” He criticized investigators for not following up on evidence such as the fraternity’s group chat. A senior prosecutor experienced in sex crimes is preparing the case for a grand jury, allowing Doe to testify and present new evidence.
Reaction and Statements
Saland expressed confidence that the result would remain unchanged, with no charges filed. Cornell University supports the DA’s decision and mentioned that its Title IX process involved months of investigation and led to sanctions.
Andrew Miltenberg, an attorney for another defendant, Gillio Lopes, stated that Lopes denies the allegations. Miltenberg emphasized that the recent public allegations differ from what was previously investigated and that accusations are not proof. He urged for evidence-based judgment through the legal process, declining further comment.