Cornell rape case: New York AG launches review as prosecutors reopen case

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office is reviewing Cornell University’s handling of rape allegations after a former student filed a lawsuit accusing seven fraternity members of sexually assaulting her.

The 101-page lawsuit alleges the woman, identified as Jane Doe, was drugged and gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024 while she was unable to consent.

The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday that it had reopened the investigation and would seek a grand jury review after being “asked by the community to revisit the decision whether to pursue criminal charges against the seven fraternity members,” according to CNN.

No criminal charges were initially filed. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said Doe’s original statement to Cornell police did not contain some key allegations included in the lawsuit.

Doe’s lawyer disputes that account, saying the information provided to authorities was “not materially different from what is contained in the (2026) complaint.”

One accused student’s lawyer, Jeremy Saland, told CNN his client “never sexually assaulted or even touched the plaintiff in any way.”

Chi Phi declined to address the specific allegations because of the ongoing litigation but said it “unequivocally condemns sexual violence.”

The lawsuit names Cornell, Chi Phi and more than a dozen other defendants and includes allegations of negligence, sexual assault and battery.