Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced Tuesday that he has reopened a criminal investigation into an alleged gang rape at Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024, after learning that he had never reviewed a transcript of the victim’s interview with campus police.
The decision follows revelations from CBS News New York that the victim, identified in court filings as ‘Jane Doe,’ told campus police in November 2024 that she was ‘100% confident she was raped.’ Van Houten previously stated that his office’s initial decision not to pursue charges in late 2024 was based on a sworn statement from Doe that described her participation in drug use and sexual activity as ‘voluntary, conscious, and consensual.’
Cornell University confirmed in a statement that it supports the DA’s decision to reopen the case and present it to a grand jury. The university previously conducted an internal investigation into the allegations, resulting in expulsions, suspensions, and sanctions against the fraternity and students involved. The Chi Phi chapter has been barred from campus since 2024.
Van Houten’s Shift in Stance
Van Houten told CBS News New York that he was unaware of the transcript until reporters provided it to him. He stated: ‘That wasn’t information that I had. If she had said those words, we certainly would want to have explored that more.’ The DA added that he would seek the full transcript and follow up with Cornell University Police, calling the oversight ‘news to me.’
In a separate interview with NPR, Van Houten defended his office’s initial decision, asserting that Doe’s 2024 statement to police did not include allegations of drugging, incapacitation, or forced sex. He described the statement as ‘very detailed and comprehensive,’ though portions of it shared publicly include Doe’s acknowledgment of gaps in memory and her assertion that she was ‘completely and totally incapacitated’ before some of the alleged assaults.
Details from the Police Transcript
The transcript, obtained by CBS News New York, documents a two-day interview conducted by Cornell University Police starting on November 14, 2024—more than three weeks after the alleged assault on October 19–20, 2024. According to the transcript:
- Doe told investigators she was ‘hit very, very hard’ during the assault.
- She described initial sexual activity with two men as consensual but stated that additional men entered the room without her consent.
- She reported being ‘coerced’ and said she was ‘100% confident she was raped.’
- Doe acknowledged consuming alcohol and drugs but stated that her memory was ‘gaps in memory’ and that she was ‘incapacitated’ at times.
Van Houten has not released the full transcript but shared excerpts in media interviews. He emphasized that the civil lawsuit filed by Doe in September 2025 provided new information that prompted the reopening of the criminal case.
Legal and Institutional Responses
Cornell University issued a statement supporting the DA’s decision, saying: ‘Cornell University supports the decision of the Tompkins County District Attorney to provide an opportunity for the victim’s story in the 2024 Chi Phi fraternity sexual assault case to be heard by a criminal grand jury.’
The Chi Phi fraternity’s national organization previously announced the permanent closure of Cornell’s chapter in 2024 following the allegations. Several of the seven men named in the civil lawsuit have denied wrongdoing. A lawyer for one defendant told Newsweek that the claims are ‘intentionally dishonest’ and ‘morally repugnant.’
Broader Context: Fraternity Culture and Campus Accountability
The case has reignited scrutiny of fraternity culture at Cornell, which has faced repeated allegations of misconduct. The Independent reported that Cornell has a history of ‘reckonings with fraternities’ followed by reforms, yet misconduct cases persist. The university has barred the Chi Phi chapter from campus and implemented internal disciplinary measures.
Public figures, including actors Florence Pugh and Mariska Hargitay, as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have publicly commented on the allegations, calling for accountability. The case has also drawn attention to police handling of sexual assault investigations, with advocates noting that initial statements from victims often require further investigation due to trauma responses.
What’s Next?
Van Houten has stated that his office will ‘seek justice’ and present the case to a grand jury. The reopening of the investigation follows public outrage over the initial decision not to prosecute and the subsequent civil lawsuit. Cornell University Police have not responded to requests for comment on the interview process or the handling of the case.