Three men named in a recent lawsuit alleging sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity are firmly rejecting the claims made against them. The lawsuit, submitted on 16 September, details an incident from October 2024, during which a young woman contends that she was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when she was assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity.
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The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in the legal documents, asserts that the alleged attack occurred between the night of 19 October and the early hours of 20 October, 2024. Following the events she describes, Doe reported the incident to the Cornell University Police Department weeks later. However, no criminal charges were filed against the individuals named in her lawsuit.
In various communications within the fraternity, incriminating messages have surfaced, including a Snapchat exchange in a group chat labelled “Chi Phi Actives.” A fraternity member allegedly stated at 1:42 a.m. on 20 October that there was “free p—-” upstairs, a comment that raises further questions regarding the environment and conduct among the fraternity members.
In light of the recent lawsuit, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced on Monday that he would reopen the investigation into the claims. He defended the decision made in 2024 not to pursue charges, explaining that at the time, Doe had not alleged that she was drugged or gang-raped in her sworn statement submitted in November. However, Van Houten acknowledged the complexities of healing from trauma, suggesting that the process is unique to each individual. “Seeking justice sometimes requires us to reconsider or reopen cases when we are provided with additional evidence,” he stated.
Cornell University has indicated that it undertook a comprehensive Title IX investigation, which operates independently from any criminal proceedings. The university confirmed that it issued multiple sanctions, including suspensions and expulsions, following its investigation of the events surrounding the allegation.
In response to the lawsuit, attorneys for three of the accused individuals have publicly stated their clients’ innocence. Andrew Miltenberg, representing defendant Gillio Lopes, expressed that Lopes denies the allegations of sexual assault, adding that an extensive investigation by Cornell had resulted in a significant factual record. Miltenberg remarked that the public narrative surrounding the incident is incomplete and inconsistent with the findings from Cornell’s inquiry.
Furthermore, Miltenberg emphasised that contextual evidence, including prior statements and contemporaneous communications, plays a crucial role in understanding the situation, and these will be addressed during the legal discovery process.
Another attorney, Jeremy Saland, who represents Scott Kretzschmar, described the lawsuit as “intentionally dishonest” and “morally repugnant,” stating that Kretzschmar only made an immature comment on Snapchat without any further involvement in the incident.
Scott Norris, also implicated in the suit, communicated through his attorney that while he had sent the contested message, he did not partake in any sexual activity or drug use. His attorney clarified that Norris had not been found responsible by Cornell for any allegations of sexual misconduct, asserting that he had merely been present in the vicinity where the misconduct purportedly took place.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how the trial and reopening of the investigation will impact both the parties involved and the broader community. Those affected by sexual violence are encouraged to reach out for support. Resources are available, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and online at rainn.org.
As this case develops, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by universities in addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and the complexities that surround such accusations. The situation at Cornell serves as a reminder of the critical importance of thorough investigations and the nuances involved in seeking justice for alleged victims of sexual assault.