New York prosecutor resumes investigation into Cornell rape case
12 october 2026 в 14:28
In connection with a civil lawsuit filed by a woman accusing several former members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University of gang rape, a criminal investigation is expected to be resumed. This was reported by attorney Trey Lovell in an interview with Us.
The woman, known as «Jane Doe», - filed the lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court on September 16, claiming that she was raped by seven fraternity brothers during a party in October 2024, after they forced her to ingest ketamine and also provided her with marijuana and alcohol. These serious allegations have sparked public outrage and led to a new criminal investigation.
According to Lovell, if Doe’s claims are substantiated, the accused are likely to face criminal charges. He noted that the question of whether they will be convicted is separate. Previously, after reports of the alleged assault in November 2024, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten declined to pursue criminal charges; however, after the lawsuit was filed, he reopened the investigation upon learning of a «series of horrific and disgusting acts» committed by fraternity members.
The criminal investigation is now being led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as special prosecutor. Lovell also noted that the civil lawsuit could assist prosecutors in the criminal case by providing a «roadmap» for the investigation.
He added that to bring charges, prosecutors must have «probable cause» to believe that a crime was committed, in this case—"sexual intercourse without consent." Lovell emphasized that in such cases, the defense typically argues that consent was given or that the accused was not present at the scene.
Additionally, he noted that a temporary stay of the civil case may be possible if the defendants request the court to postpone proceedings until the criminal investigation is completed.
The woman, known as «Jane Doe», - filed the lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court on September 16, claiming that she was raped by seven fraternity brothers during a party in October 2024, after they forced her to ingest ketamine and also provided her with marijuana and alcohol. These serious allegations have sparked public outrage and led to a new criminal investigation.
According to Lovell, if Doe’s claims are substantiated, the accused are likely to face criminal charges. He noted that the question of whether they will be convicted is separate. Previously, after reports of the alleged assault in November 2024, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten declined to pursue criminal charges; however, after the lawsuit was filed, he reopened the investigation upon learning of a «series of horrific and disgusting acts» committed by fraternity members.
The criminal investigation is now being led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, after Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as special prosecutor. Lovell also noted that the civil lawsuit could assist prosecutors in the criminal case by providing a «roadmap» for the investigation.
He added that to bring charges, prosecutors must have «probable cause» to believe that a crime was committed, in this case—"sexual intercourse without consent." Lovell emphasized that in such cases, the defense typically argues that consent was given or that the accused was not present at the scene.
Additionally, he noted that a temporary stay of the civil case may be possible if the defendants request the court to postpone proceedings until the criminal investigation is completed.
© Smirnova Olga
