New York AG Reviews Cornell Rape Allegations Response
Sandego.net – The New York attorney general to review Cornell University’s response to rape allegations is examining the school’s handling of claims raised by a former student. The review comes as the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office reopens its consideration of whether criminal charges should be pursued against fraternity members named in a civil lawsuit.
The former student, identified in court records as Jane Doe, filed a 101-page complaint this month. The lawsuit names Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity and seven fraternity members who are accused of participating in the alleged assault.
Her complaint alleges negligence, breach of contract, sexual assault and battery, along with violations of New York’s Human Rights Law. The civil claims remain allegations, and defendants have denied wrongdoing.
District Attorney Reopens Criminal Review
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office is revisiting its earlier decision not to bring charges after members of the community asked prosecutors to reconsider the case. The renewed review may include seeking a grand jury’s assessment of the available evidence.
Van Houten said the information reported to Cornell police in 2024 did not include the same key allegations that appeared in the 2026 lawsuit. Jane Doe’s attorney disputes that account, maintaining that Cornell authorities were promptly given the relevant information and that the earlier report was not materially different.
A reopened investigation does not establish criminal responsibility. It means prosecutors will take another look at the evidence and decide whether there is a legal basis to seek an indictment.
Claims Detailed in the Civil Complaint
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe was 20 years old when she went to the Chi Phi house in Ithaca on October 19, 2024. The complaint says she had been drinking earlier at her sorority house and a bar before going to the fraternity house to see a friend.
The filing alleges that she was given more alcohol and pressured to take ketamine. It says she was later sexually assaulted while unable to consent, and that additional fraternity members entered the room.
The complaint also references a message allegedly sent to a fraternity Snapchat group. The lawsuit contends that the message encouraged other members to come upstairs and take part in the alleged assault. It further alleges that Jane Doe was moved to another room and assaulted until about 5:45 a.m.
Accused Students Contest Allegations
An attorney for one accused fraternity member said the earlier decision not to file charges supported his client’s position that the alleged conduct did not occur. The attorney said his client did not sexually assault or touch the plaintiff.
“Never sexually assaulted or even touched the plaintiff in any way.”
A lawyer for another student said that student participated in the Snapchat conversation cited in the complaint but denied any sexual activity or drug use. The attorney also said the student was not found responsible by Cornell for accusations involving sexual activity or drugs.
What the State Review Could Mean
The New York attorney general to review Cornell’s actions focuses on the university’s response, while the district attorney’s reopened inquiry concerns possible criminal charges. Those are separate processes from the civil lawsuit, which seeks to hold the named defendants accountable under civil law.
As the reviews continue, the case remains subject to investigation and litigation. No conclusion about criminal or civil liability should be drawn from the filing of allegations, the reopening of a review or statements from attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New York attorney general reviewing?
The attorney general’s office is examining Cornell University’s response to the rape allegations made by the former student.
Has anyone been charged in the Cornell case?
The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office previously declined to bring charges and has reopened its review. A renewed review does not mean charges will be filed.
Is the civil lawsuit the same as a criminal case?
No. The civil lawsuit and any potential criminal investigation follow different legal processes and have different standards and possible outcomes.
