NY AG Takes Over Cornell Frat Rape Investigation Amid Claims of Mishandling

New York Attorney General Letitia James is now overseeing the criminal investigation into allegations of a 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity house. The move follows Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to strip the Tompkins County District Attorney's office of control, citing concerns about the initial handling of the case.

Renewed Probe into Alleged Assault

The investigation centers on claims by a then-20-year-old student, identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple fraternity members in October 2024. Doe told university investigators that she felt cornered and like a "sex doll" before being ushered into a closet where she was assaulted while losing consciousness. She described the experience as "just raping."

Snapchat Messages Emerge

During this time, members of the Chi Phi fraternity allegedly circulated a Snapchat photo of Doe within a group chat. Messages obtained by CBS News, and cited in Doe's lawsuit, suggest fraternity members commented on the photo, with one allegedly posting "free p***y upstairs" and another asking "Shop still open?"

Doe is suing seven men—Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar—along with Cornell University and others. Some of the accused men have publicly denied participating in the alleged assaults or drug use. Attorneys for Kretzschmar, Norris, and Lopes stated their clients acknowledge certain comments or presence in the room but deny wrongdoing or sexual contact.

University and Prosecutorial Actions

Cornell University's Title IX investigation resulted in the expulsion of two students and the suspension of two others. The fraternity itself was shut down and barred from campus in 2024. However, the initial criminal investigation by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten concluded without charges. Van Houten stated that the information initially provided by the university did not include allegations of drugging or incapacitation.

Governor's Criticism and Special Prosecutor Appointment

Following Doe's civil lawsuit and the emergence of further details from the Title IX investigation, Van Houten reopened the criminal inquiry. Governor Hochul criticized the initial process, questioning why the district attorney did not interview key witnesses or obtain the full investigation transcript. "In what world does the district attorney not even interview her, or anyone else involved, or even request the full transcript?" Hochul stated. She added that Doe "had already endured something that is utterly unspeakable. And then at every turn, she was failed by people and institutions with an obligation to protect her."

Hochul appointed James as special prosecutor on Thursday, a move Van Houten said he supports, acknowledging that "it has become clear that we were not provided the full picture by the University." James has indicated the renewed investigation could take months. "We will review the facts, gather evidence, interview witnesses and, if warranted, pursue prosecutions," she said.

Doe's Account and Legal Proceedings

Doe told investigators she had taken ketamine, describing its effects as impairing her cognitive function. Her lawsuit details her experience, including being moved into a closet where she claims the assaults continued. She also alleges that she sought medical attention two days after the incident for a urinary tract infection and was advised to "speak with somebody" rather than being referred for a rape kit.

Cornell University police investigated and sent a statement to prosecutors, but allegations regarding the closet assault were not included. Doe reported the incident to campus police the month after the alleged attack. The discrepancy in the information provided to prosecutors has become a central point of scrutiny. Van Houten stated that his office's focus "has been and should continue to be on the victims."