US News
Special prosecutor opens criminal inquiry following Cornell fraternity sexual assault lawsuit
New York's attorney general intervened after a former student sued seven men and the university over an alleged 2024 assault.
The short version
- A former Cornell student filed a civil suit against seven former Chi Phi fraternity members and the university, alleging she was drugged and assaulted in October 2024.[CBS News]
- New York Attorney General Letitia James launched a criminal investigation after Governor Kathy Hochul named her office special prosecutor.[Fox News]
- Cornell previously expelled two students, suspended two, saw one graduate, and cleared two others during its internal discipline process.[Fox News]
- A local prosecutor noted that the plaintiff's November 2024 sworn statement described voluntary participation, conflicting with the civil complaint.[CBS News]
Key facts
- A former Cornell undergraduate filed a civil lawsuit against seven former Chi Phi fraternity members and the university, claiming she was drugged and gang-raped in October 2024.[CBS News]
- New York Attorney General Letitia James opened an active criminal investigation following her appointment as special prosecutor by Governor Kathy Hochul.[Fox News]
- Cornell University disciplined the accused students by expelling two, suspending two for multiple semesters, noting one had already graduated, and finding two not responsible.[Fox News]
- The Tompkins County District Attorney noted that the plaintiff gave a sworn statement in November 2024 describing voluntary and consensual drug use and sexual conduct.[CBS News]
What remains uncertain
- The district attorney cited discrepancies between the plaintiff's November 2024 sworn account of voluntary conduct and the nonconsensual allegations detailed in her civil lawsuit.[CBS News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.