New York prosecutors have reopened a sexual assault investigation at Cornell University after a young woman accused members of a fraternity of raping her in October 2024.
The reopening comes after the woman filed a civil lawsuit in New York earlier this month alleging that multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity took part in her sexual assault nearly two years ago, referring to the alleged assault as a “gang rape.” The complaint also accuses Cornell University of failing to protect the woman.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten confirmed to USA TODAY that the investigation into the alleged assault has been reopened.
Van Houten also said charges were not brought in November 2024, when the woman first gave a statement to university police, because she did not allege at the time that she was drugged or assaulted.
“On the contrary, Jane Doe’s statement described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual,” he said.
Calling the fraternity members’ alleged behavior “disgusting and morally reprehensible,” Van Houten said he has considered bringing charges and has since contacted the woman’s attorneys.
“Once we determine the appropriate charges, the case will be prosecuted in the most objective and impartial means available – by testimony to the Tompkins County Grand Jury,” Van Houten said.
One of the entrances to the Cornell University campus on Nov. 3, 2023 in Ithaca, New York.
On Sept. 28, Cornell University said it supports the decision to reopen the case.
“Cornell also conducted a thorough Title IX investigation, which is separate from a criminal proceeding, over the course of several months,” the university said. “During that investigation, temporary suspensions and other restrictive measures were used.”
USA TODAY contacted the Chi Phi fraternity on Sept. 28 for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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Who was named in the civil lawsuit?
The woman and her lawyers named Cornell University, Chi Phi Fraternity, its Chapter House Association and trust and Tri Delta Sorority, among others, in the civil lawsuit.
Additionally, seven Cornell University students the lawsuit alleges participated in the sexual assault are named. None have been criminally charged.
What allegedly happened on Oct. 19, 2024?
The night of the alleged sexual assault began when the young woman attended a Tri Delta Sorority event and went to multiple bars. She was allegedly served alcohol at an establishment despite having an “X” on her hands to signal she was underage.
She later walked alone to the Chi Phi fraternity house on Cornell’s campus, where she planned to see a friend and one of the defendants, according to the lawsuit. By the time she got to the fraternity, the woman was “visibly intoxicated,” the lawsuit said. Once inside the fraternity, she was allegedly led upstairs by a member.
She alleged that she was pressured to use the anesthetic drug ketamine with multiple fraternity members, along with using marijuana and drinking more alcohol before the seven fraternity members allegedly assaulted her.
She accused multiple fraternity members of referencing the alleged assaults in a Snapchat group in the early hours of Oct. 20.
A view of one of the entrances to the Cornell University campus on Nov. 3, 2023 in Ithaca, New York.
How did Cornell University respond?
The woman later woke up and returned to her sorority house. She reported the incident to Cornell University Police in November 2024. The same month, the university released a statement saying that the allegations were “serious and deeply disturbing.”
The university placed the Chi Phi chapter and students allegedly involved on temporary suspension. Thomas Giuffra, the woman’s lawyer, told CBS News that two of the fraternity members were expelled and five others completed workshops and wrote essays.
The university said it launched a Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault and issued a report in March 2026 that recommended Cornell University launch a sex-positive public health messaging campaign and develop more courses on sexual citizenship, or recognizing your right to sexual self-determination.
The woman is seeking a jury trial and damages from Chi Phi Fraternity, Cornell University and Tri Delta Sorority, among others, alleging responsibility.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Officials reopen Cornell University rape investigation after lawsuit
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