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Cornell Sexual Assault Investigation to Be Reopened

newsSep 28, 2026211,061

Tompkins County District Attorney will revisit the decision not to pursue criminal charges after a civil lawsuit alleges seven men drugged and gang-raped a Cornell student at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. The complaint, filed this month by a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, names Matthew Ingalls, Jonathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar as defendants. The lawsuit and ensuing public outrage prompted renewed scrutiny of Cornell’s handling of the matter; student journalist Cereese Qusba of the Cornell Daily Sun broke the story and has received widespread attention for reporting the complaint. University President Michael I. Kotlikoff drew criticism after posting excerpts from the woman’s statement and offering an essay-style apology that some called insufficient. The mayor of Ithaca announced a moratorium on permitting Greek Life activities until Cornell produces new standards for addressing sexual assault. The DA’s review formally reopens the possibility of criminal investigation and potential charges against the named fraternity members.

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