New developments are unfolding in the case of a former Cornell University student who asserts she was drugged and gang-raped inside a fraternity house in October 2024. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe, was 20 at the time of the alleged incident. She recently filed a civil lawsuit against seven former Chi Phi fraternity members and the university, claiming they failed to protect her and prevent the alleged assault. Although Cornell conducted an internal investigation, criminal charges were not brought against the accused initially.
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that it will reopen the criminal investigation due to community pressure and present the evidence to a grand jury. The DA noted discrepancies between the woman’s sworn statement in November 2024 and her claims in the lawsuit, while her attorney argues that investigators never followed up on her allegations.
Allegations Against Cornell
In the lawsuit, Jane Doe accuses Cornell and the fraternity members of negligence and wrongdoing. She contends she was intoxicated when she visited the Chi Phi fraternity house. She claims two members pressured her into taking ketamine before assaulting her. The suit describes a message sent to a Chi Phi group chat suggesting a woman was available for sex, leading to further assaults. The complaint notes that three weeks later, Jane Doe reported the incident to campus police.
Attorney Thomas Giuffra stated, “Once she was emotionally ready, she went to the University police and bravely shared what had occurred to her.” However, Giuffra highlighted the lack of contact from investigators with specialized training in interviewing rape survivors.
Cornell conducted an internal review, reportedly expelling two fraternity members and imposing sanctions on others. Giuffra indicated no arrests were made, and the woman subsequently left Cornell. The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and violations of state law, seeking unspecified damages.
Cornell’s Internal Investigation
Cornell asserts a comprehensive Title IX investigation was conducted over months. The process allowed both parties to present evidence during hearings, resulting in varied sanctions, from expulsions to suspensions. The Chi Phi fraternity chapter closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus. Cornell maintains the sanctions were significant and refutes claims of minimal consequences.
The Reopened Criminal Investigation
The district attorney announced the reopening of the criminal investigation following community requests to reevaluate charges against the fraternity members. DA Matthew Van Houten pointed out differences between Doe’s original statement and her lawsuit’s claims. Her initial account described voluntary actions, while the lawsuit alleges coercion and assault.
Giuffra denies that comprehensive follow-ups were made by investigators with Doe. Van Houten reached out to Doe’s attorneys following the lawsuit, leading to the renewed investigation. The grand jury will consider Doe’s testimony and any new evidence. Van Houten committed to prosecuting any indictments energetically.
Giuffra supports reopening the investigation, seeing it as a belated but positive step. He urges thorough investigation and suspects a less-than-diligent approach previously. Cornell voiced its support for the DA’s decision.
Accusations Against an Individual
The lawsuit names Scott Kretzchmar, one of the accused fraternity members, who allegedly sent inappropriate messages. Defense attorney Jeremy Saland acknowledged the messages’ inappropriate nature but contends they do not indicate sexual assault. Saland asserted that Kretzchmar briefly entered the victim’s room without interaction and left promptly.
In response to ketamine use accusations, Saland shared that a hair follicle test showed no evidence of ketamine in Kretzchmar’s system. Saland expressed availability for the renewed investigation, hoping for closure and addressing what he considers false claims.