DA Says Cornell Gang-Rape Allegations Have Been ‘Sensationalized,’ Says There Were ‘No Gaps’ in Accuser’s Initial Statement (Exclusive)

**District Attorney Responds to Allegations in Cornell University Fraternity Case**

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten has addressed the intense public scrutiny surrounding the investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving seven members of Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity. In statements to PEOPLE, Van Houten asserted that much of this focus is based on a misrepresentation of events, labelling specific claims as “inaccurate” and “sensationalised.”

The allegations emerged following a civil suit filed by a former Cornell student, who has been identified in legal documents as Jane Doe. She asserts that she was sexually assaulted after being drugged by fraternity members in October 2024. Despite the serious nature of these claims, there have been no arrests made in connection with the incident, and initially, no charges were filed by the DA’s office.

In the wake of the civil complaint, Van Houten confirmed that his office has revisited its investigation into the claims with the intention of presenting the case to a grand jury. He highlighted the thoroughness of Doe’s initial statement to law enforcement, declaring there were “no gaps” in what she reported.

“Jane Doe told us what happened in very specific and comprehensive detail,” Van Houten remarked. He emphasised that the written statement provided by Doe included all necessary information about the events of the night in question, allowing for a clear understanding of the allegations.

According to the lawsuit, Doe alleges that her drink was tampered with, resulting in her being incapacitated before the alleged assaults began, with one message reportedly stating there was “free p—-” available upstairs. These alleged incidents, which are claimed to have continued for several hours, concluded in the early hours of the following day.

Doe’s attorney, Thomas P. Giuffra, has been vocal in the media, which Van Houten took issue with, particularly comments suggesting that the DA’s office had identified “failures” in their handling of the case. “That’s just flat out inaccurate and wrong, and he knows that,” the DA stated, asserting that the public’s perception of the case has been distorted by sensationalised narratives.

Moreover, Van Houten described the Snapchat messages allegedly exchanged among fraternity members as “disgusting.” He reflected on the moral implications of their actions, stating, “What we hope for the young men in our lives is that they would not make the decisions that these men made, given the circumstances of Oct. 19 and 20 of 2024.”

The district attorney confirmed that his office is preparing a case for the grand jury, noting that both Doe’s testimony and any new evidence introduced in the civil complaint will play a crucial part in these proceedings.

In response to the allegations, Cornell University has taken significant actions against the Chi Phi fraternity, barring them from campus while an extensive Title IX investigation was carried out. The university issued a statement detailing the nature of their investigation, which included temporary suspensions and other measures.

The Title IX process was extensive, including a hearing where both the complainant and the accused were allowed to testify. Following the hearing, the panel issued various sanctions, which included expulsions and suspensions from the university.

Cornell has emphasised the importance of maintaining a thorough investigative process, both in terms of compliance with federal law and in ensuring the safety and well-being of its student population.

As the case progresses, attention remains fixed on both the legal proceedings and the broader implications surrounding campus safety and the handling of sexual assault allegations. The outcomes of these investigations will not only impact those directly involved but also resonate throughout the university community.

For individuals seeking support or needing to talk about their experiences with sexual assault, help is available through resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or by visiting rainn.org. Such services are crucial in providing guidance and assistance to survivors during difficult times.