Cornell University Investigates Gang Rape Allegations Against Fraternity Members
A former student's lawsuit details accusations of sexual assault and drugging at a Chi Phi fraternity party, prompting a renewed investigation and the appointment of a special prosecutor.
Cornell University is facing scrutiny after a former student filed a lawsuit alleging that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted her at a party on October 19, 2024. The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, claims she was incapacitated by ketamine and alcohol before the alleged assault occurred.
The lawsuit states that Umar Matthew Ingalls invited Doe to the fraternity house. After consuming multiple drinks at local bars, Doe, then a 20-year-old sophomore, went to the Chi Phi house around 11 p.m. According to the filing, Ingalls offered her a drink and danced with her before asking if she would consent to a threesome with him and another fraternity brother, Jonathan Newell. Doe alleges that Ingalls and Newell then led her upstairs, pressured her into consuming drugs and alcohol, and engaged in sexual acts without her consent.
Initially, the allegations were reported in 2024, and an investigation by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten did not result in charges. However, Doe's recent lawsuit has prompted the district attorney's office to reopen the case. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation.
Cornell University conducted its own internal investigation under Title IX. Umar Matthew Ingalls, 21, and Jonathan Newell, 21, were expelled from the university. Ingalls, who reportedly grew up in Dubai, is believed to have returned there. Newell, from Broward, Florida, has been accused of sending a Snapchat message to a group chat with over 50 Chi Phi members that read, "Free p****."
Scott Kretzschmar, 22, is another individual named in the lawsuit. The internal investigation found him and Scott Norris responsible for attempted sexual exploitation. Kretzschmar stated he entered a room after seeing Newell's Snapchat message but claimed he was only inside briefly, did not touch Doe, and did not see her distressed or ingest ketamine. As a result of the investigation, Kretzschmar was banned from contacting Doe, required to study sexual harassment and bystander intervention, and ordered to write an essay.
Kretzschmar has also filed a lawsuit against Cornell, represented by Jeremy Saland, claiming the university engaged in a "bait-and-switch" disciplinary process. His suit alleges he was found responsible for attempted sexual exploitation, a charge he contends he was neither notified of nor aware was under consideration, after an initial disciplinary board found him not responsible for sexual assault and sexual exploitation. The suit also raises concerns about the impartiality of a hearing panel member, Savannah Bao, citing alleged distractions during testimony.
Nova Southeastern University issued a statement regarding Jonathan Newell after speculation arose that he might be attending the institution. The university stated that it was unaware of the allegations at the time of his admission and is legally restricted from sharing specific details about individual students due to federal regulations.