DA did not review additional evidence Cornell police collected in alleged gang rape of student

Key Points:

• Cornell University police conducted witness interviews and received anonymous tips early in their investigation of an alleged gang rape at a Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024, but Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten did not review this additional information before deciding not to file charges.
• Van Houten based his decision solely on the accuser Jane Doe’s initial six-page statement, which did not allege criminality, and did not interview her or others involved; he later agreed to reopen the inquiry before the attorney general was appointed special prosecutor.
• Documents show police obtained extensive Snapchat data related to the incident but found no evidence of criminal activity, while Jane Doe was only informed about the decision not to prosecute nearly two months after it was made.
• The handling of the case has drawn criticism from Jane Doe’s attorney and public officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to reassess potential charges.
• Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and seven fraternity members alleging sexual assault while she was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and her attorney claims authorities failed to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation.