DA in Cornell case says he never saw interview transcript
Summary
The Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, said he did not see a transcript of an alleged rape victim’s interview before he decided not to press charges in a Cornell University case. The transcript, obtained by CBS News, shows the victim said with full confidence that she was raped, which has caused prosecutors to reopen the investigation.Key Facts
- District Attorney Van Houten was unaware of a transcript where the alleged victim said she was certain she was raped.
- The transcript was from an interview conducted over two days in November 2024, weeks after the alleged incident.
- The victim described drinking, drug use, gaps in memory, and being physically hit during the event.
- She said she was initially okay with sexual activity but was later raped and could not remember how many people were involved.
- The investigator asked detailed questions to clarify what happened, including if the victim consented or was coerced.
- The DA’s office initially decided not to charge anyone, based on a written statement from the victim.
- Cornell University conducted an internal investigation that led to suspensions and expulsions but no criminal charges at the time.
- After the transcript was revealed, the DA said he would review it and continue the criminal investigation.
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