New York prosecutors reopen Cornell rape probe after lawsuit

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced Monday that New York authorities are reopening a criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape of a former Cornell University student from October 2024. The case was initially closed in November 2024 because the original evidence did not support filing charges, but prosecutors will now review new allegations following a civil lawsuit filed by the victim this month. In her complaint dated September 16, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that seven members of Cornell's Chi Phi fraternity drugged and sexually assaulted her at their frat house while inviting others to join via group chat. Van Houten stated that while his original decision was legally correct, he acknowledged it takes years for victims to fully process sexual assaults. A grand jury will examine the testimony of Doe alongside any new evidence presented in the civil complaint. None of the seven fraternity members have faced criminal charges; the lawsuit notes they received only temporary suspensions.