Probe reopened into rape-accused Cornell 'frat bros' after ex-student's lawsuit

New York prosecutors are revisiting allegations against seven Cornell fraternity members accused of drugging and raping a former student in 2024. An earlier review found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges, and the case is now set to be presented to a grand jury.

In Short

• 7 Cornell Chi Phi members accused of drugging, raping ex-student in October 2024
• Earlier probe found insufficient evidence; case now reopened by NY prosecutors
• Ex-student's lawsuit claimed one of accused invited members to rape via Snapchat text

Prosecutors in New York have reopened an investigation into allegations that seven members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity drugged and raped a former student in October 2024, The New York Post reported. The move came after an earlier review into the case in November 2024 found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten told ABC News that his office intends to present the case to a grand jury with the woman's cooperation, and is considering criminal charges against the seven accused.

The investigation follows allegations detailed in a civil lawsuit filed by the former student, identified as Jane Doe. She has sued Cornell University and seven Chi Phi members, alleging she was coerced into taking drugs and raped at the fraternity house in October 2024.

The seven men named in the lawsuit are Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar.

According to the lawsuit, Newell sent a message on instant messaging app Snapchat to a group called “Chi Phi Actives” inviting fraternity members to join the assault. A screenshot of the message, which referred to “free p***y”, was included in the lawsuit.

PROSECUTORS REVISIT EARLIER ASSESSMENT

Van Houten said the allegations in the civil lawsuit are “dramatically different” from the woman's statement following the gang-rape horror.

He said prosecutors want to determine whether additional evidence has emerged since November 2024 that could alter their earlier assessment of the case. “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 2024, that exists now that would change our assessment of the case,” he added.

LAWYER DISPUTES PROSECUTOR'S ACCOUNT

Jane Doe's attorney, Thomas P Giuffra, disputed Van Houten's characterisation of his client's initial statement.

Giuffra said authorities never followed up with the woman through someone with specialised training in handling sexual-abuse allegations.

“In my experience, speaking with an abuse survivor requires delicacy, understanding and specialised training,” he told ABC News, according to The New York Post.

He said the woman should have been interviewed by a specially trained detective or district attorney. “However, Ms Doe was never contacted by anybody with those skills,” Giuffra said.

The reopening of the investigation does not mean criminal charges have been filed against the accused. Prosecutors will now reassess the evidence before the case is presented to a grand jury.

- Ends