ITHACA, N.Y. (Diya TV) — New York prosecutors have reopened a criminal investigation into allegations that seven Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted a Cornell University student in 2024 after pressuring her to take drugs.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten confirmed the decision Monday following a civil lawsuit from the former student, identified as Jane Doe. He said his office intends to present the case to a grand jury with her cooperation. Prosecutors filed no charges after the initial investigation.
The lawsuit alleges that fraternity members pressured Doe to take what they described as ketamine, gave her additional alcohol and sexually assaulted her while she could not consent. She also alleges that a member used a Snapchat group chat to encourage others to join the assault at the fraternity house in October 2024. The complaint names Cornell, fraternity organizations and seven members among its defendants.
Van Houten said prosecutors initially declined to pursue charges because Doe’s statement to campus police described consensual activity. Her attorney, Thomas Giuffra, disputes that characterization and says her original account did not materially differ from the lawsuit. He criticized investigators for failing to follow up with her.
The two also disagree over investigators’ handling of the Snapchat messages. Giuffra said campus police received them in 2024. Van Houten said his office did not receive the screenshot included in the lawsuit and acknowledged that prosecutors relied on Cornell police’s investigation.
Cornell said it supports the renewed criminal investigation and defended its separate disciplinary process. University spokesperson Kyle Kimball said a Title IX investigation and hearing resulted in expulsions and suspensions. The university disputed claims that it allowed students to write essays as their sole punishment. The Chi Phi chapter remains barred from campus.
Scott Kretzschmar, one of the defendants, denied any sexual contact with Doe through his attorney, Jeremy Saland. Another defendant, Scott Norris, denied participating in sexual activity or drug use but acknowledged sending a Snapchat message included in the complaint.
Van Houten has assigned a senior prosecutor experienced in sex crimes to prepare the case for a grand jury as his office reviews the evidence.
