DA in Cornell University case says he never saw transcript of campus police interview with alleged rape victim

Key Points:

• Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten stated he never saw a transcript of an interview in which the alleged rape victim told Cornell campus police, "I can say with 100% confidence I was raped," before deciding not to press charges.
• The transcript, obtained exclusively by CBS News New York, reveals the victim's detailed account of the alleged fraternity gang rape on Oct. 19-20, 2024, including her memory gaps and descriptions of coercion and physical violence.
• Van Houten said his decision not to pursue charges was based on a 2024 signed statement by the victim and that he was unaware of the transcript until recently, prompting him to reopen the criminal investigation.
• The victim's attorney criticized the DA for failing to conduct a thorough investigation, calling the inaction "shocking" and expressing no confidence in Van Houten's handling of the case.
• Cornell University conducted an internal investigation resulting in sanctions against students but did not pursue criminal charges; the DA's office is now reviewing the case amid renewed scrutiny of the law enforcement response.