New Developments in Cornell University Fraternity House Assault Case

Background of the Case

A former student from Cornell University has made serious allegations. She claims to have been drugged and assaulted by multiple individuals in a fraternity house in October 2024. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe, has filed a civil lawsuit against seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity and the university. The lawsuit accuses them of failing to protect her and prevent the assault. Despite an internal investigation conducted by Cornell, criminal charges were not initially filed.

District Attorney’s Investigation

The Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has announced the reopening of the criminal investigation. This decision follows advocacy from the community. Initially, discrepancies between Jane Doe’s sworn statement made in November 2024 and the allegations in her civil lawsuit were identified by the DA’s office. Her attorney argues that investigators did not thoroughly follow her claims. The DA is now seeking to take this case before a grand jury.

Details in the Lawsuit

According to Jane Doe, she visited the Chi Phi fraternity house intoxicated, and alleges two fraternity members coerced her into consuming ketamine. She further accuses them of assaulting her. Around 1:42 a.m., a fraternity member reportedly sent a disturbing message via Snapchat suggesting a woman was available upstairs for sex. The alleged assaults lasted until 5:45 a.m. A report was filed with Cornell’s police department weeks later. Her attorney asserts that Jane Doe was not engaged by investigators specializing in rape cases after her initial report.

Cornell’s Internal Review

Cornell University conducted an internal Title IX investigation over several months, ultimately imposing sanctions including expulsions and suspensions. The fraternity’s campus chapter was closed and remains absent from Cornell. Despite some skepticism about the severity of the punishments, Cornell maintains that appropriate actions were taken.

DA Reexamining the Case

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten remarked on inconsistencies between Jane Doe’s original statement and the civil lawsuit allegations. Initially, her statement did not indicate involuntary drug use or assault. Van Houten emphasizes that the DA’s office had no basis to act on a lawsuit that was filed later. The investigation is now being reopened with Jane Doe’s cooperation.

Defendant’s Response

One accused fraternity member, Scott Kretzchmar, denies involvement in the alleged assault. His defense attorney acknowledges his inappropriate messages but insists they do not constitute assault evidence. Kretzchmar claims to have briefly entered a room without engaging in any unlawful conduct, supported by a hair follicle test that showed no ketamine use.