A lawyer representing the woman who alleges she was gang-raped by several men at a Cornell University fraternity party has stated that she was given misleading information regarding the progress of the criminal investigation after reporting the incident to the police. The lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, revealed that despite the woman pursuing internal disciplinary actions at Cornell following the 2024 assault at the Chi Phi fraternity house, she was under the impression from the university’s police department that a criminal probe was still ongoing. However, the criminal investigation was terminated shortly after it commenced, as confirmed by Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten.
According to Giuffra, Van Houten decided not to pursue criminal charges within days of the woman providing detailed statements to the police. Despite the district attorney instructing Cornell’s police department to relay this decision to the woman, identified as Jane Doe in legal documents, there was no direct communication between Van Houten and the woman or her legal counsel. Giuffra expressed concern that the woman was misinformed about the status of the investigation, believing it was still active when it had been closed.
The attorney further explained that he was initially under the impression that investigators required more time to gather evidence and interview witnesses, unaware that no progress was being made. Van Houten defended his decision, stating that a thorough review of the woman’s account led to the determination that no further investigation was warranted. This conclusion conflicted with the woman’s statements to law enforcement and university officials, as well as her allegations in a lawsuit against seven fraternity members and Cornell.
Giuffra highlighted discrepancies between the woman’s detailed account and the summary provided to Van Houten, emphasizing crucial information that was omitted, such as her unequivocal assertion of being raped, instances of physical violence, and derogatory messages shared among fraternity members. The lawyer also pointed out attempts by Cornell police investigators to present additional evidence to Van Houten’s office post-rape, which were reportedly dismissed.
In response to the case, there has been a surge of support for the woman and her legal team, despite facing threats. The community has rallied in solidarity, with numerous women sharing their own stories of assault. The investigation has since been reassigned from Van Houten to the state’s attorney general, Letitia James, following concerns raised by Giuffra regarding the handling and fairness of the case. James is now overseeing the continued investigation, which may extend over several months.
Additionally, a court petition has been filed by one of the accused men seeking the removal of Letitia James from the case, citing perceived bias. Cornell University has taken steps to address the situation, including the closure of the Chi Phi chapter on campus in 2024 and the enforcement of disciplinary actions under Title IX regulations. Former U.S. deputy attorney general Sally Yates has been brought in by Cornell trustees to review the university’s procedures related to sexual assault and harassment investigations, disciplinary processes, campus police responses, and more.