New York Prosecutors Revive Probe Into Alleged Drugging, Sexual Assault Of Cornell University Student

New York prosecutors have reopened an investigation into allegations that seven Cornell University fraternity members allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted a former student in 2024. The victim, identified as Jane Doe in legal documents, was a 20-year-old Cornell student at the time of the alleged incident. The lawsuit alleges that the fraternity members, including Winston Lee, Scott Kretzschmar, Scott Norris, Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Gillio Lopes, and Diego Sarabia, administered ketamine to the victim and then sexually assaulted her for several hours.

The lawsuit further claims that after the victim passed out, one of the men posted on the Chi Phi Actives Snapchat group that a woman was available for sex. Additional men reportedly arrived at the Chi Phi fraternity house following this message. The victim reported the alleged assault to Cornell university police approximately three weeks after it occurred.

Cornell conducted an internal investigation, leading to the expulsion of two of the accused fraternity members and disciplinary action for the remaining individuals, including suspensions, workshops, and essays. The university claims it did not arrest any of the accused fraternity members. The woman has since left Cornell, and her attorney asserts that the incident significantly impacted her education and life.

The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office reviewed the police investigation and determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges. In the lawsuit, the victim accuses Cornell and the defendants of breach of contract, negligence, and violations of state law, seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Cornell maintains that it thoroughly investigated the allegations under its established policies and that violations can result in penalties ranging from suspension to expulsion.

The national Chi Phi organization expressed concern over the allegations, stating that anyone who reports sexual violence should be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. The national organization, however, declined to comment on the specific allegations due to the litigation status of the case.