U.S. prosecutor reopens Cornell gang rape probe after accuser files lawsuit

A New York prosecutor has reopened an investigation into gang rape allegations at a Cornell University fraternity in response to a lawsuit filed by a woman who says she was sexually assaulted in 2024 by seven students after being plied with alcohol and drugs.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said Monday that his office will present evidence to a grand jury as he faces questions from the public about why there were no criminal prosecutions in the case.

The woman, identified only by a pseudonym in the lawsuit, filed the complaint Sept. 16, saying she was sexually assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house on Cornell’s campus in October 2024 after being pressured into snorting ketamine, smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol. She’s suing seven men, the Chi Phi fraternity, the university, an Ithaca bar and others, seeking undisclosed damages.