Prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity house after public demand. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten aims to “seek justice” in response to a civil complaint filed by a former student. She claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted by members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
“I have been asked by the community to reassess the decision to pursue criminal charges against the seven fraternity members,” Van Houten said. He has started discussions with the alleged victim, known as Jane Doe, and her legal representation. The district attorney plans to present the case before a Tompkins County grand jury.
Jane Doe filed a lawsuit alleging the assault occurred in October 2024, when she was pressured to consume ketamine, marijuana, and high-proof rum. After refusing a proposal for a threesome, she claims some fraternity members, including Matthew Ingalls and Jonathan Newell, engaged in non-consensual sexual acts.
The lawsuit states that the assault involved several fraternity brothers. They allegedly poured ketamine on her body while Newell allegedly encouraged others to join via Snapchat. The attack persisted until Jane Doe became unconscious.
Criminal charges were not pursued initially due to discrepancies between the woman’s early statement and the allegations in the civil lawsuit. In her first account, Jane Doe depicted her involvement in drug use and sexual activity as consensual. Van Houten is currently examining these inconsistencies.
An attorney for one accused member, Jeremy Saland, described the accusations as “intentionally dishonest.” He highlighted a hair follicle test indicating one accused, Scott Kretzschmar, did not consume ketamine. Saland also noted the plaintiff did not claim to be drugged unknowingly or incapacitated.
Saland contended that the reopening of the case could clear Kretzschmar’s name, citing the wrongful accusations in the Duke Lacrosse case as precedent. He claimed Kretzschmar has been targeted unfairly, facing threats due to his alleged involvement.
Cornell University supports the district attorney’s decision to reopen the investigation. They conducted a Title IX inquiry into the allegations, resulting in various sanctions for those accused. These ranged from expulsions to suspensions, with no opportunity for essays as a form of punishment.
While attorneys for the alleged victim and Chi Phi fraternity officials have not commented, the university confirmed its actions align with federal law. Temporary suspensions and strict measures were enforced during the investigation.