DA defends decision not to prosecute alleged Cornell 'gang rape' case in 2024
Summary
The Tompkins County District Attorney (DA) decided not to prosecute a 2024 gang rape case at Cornell University because he believed the victim consented to the sexual activity. The DA reopened the case after a civil lawsuit was filed, and the victim’s lawyer argued the criminal investigation was not thorough.Key Facts
- The alleged incident happened in 2024 at a Cornell University fraternity.
- Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten said the victim, called Jane Doe, initially consented and did not clearly withdraw consent.
- The DA described social media reports as inaccurate and said no charges were filed because evidence did not support prosecution.
- The Chi Phi fraternity was banned from campus after the incident.
- Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit accusing the fraternity members of drugging and gang-raping her.
- The victim’s attorney said the criminal investigation was limited, with the victim only speaking to one officer.
- The attorney also noted the long delay in reopening the case may have led to lost evidence.
- The DA’s office plans to meet with Jane Doe again as part of reopening the case.
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