Cornell Student’s 2024 Sworn Statement Details 7-Men Assault Allegations as DA Defends No-Charge Decision
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Oct 1
Cornell Student’s 2024 Sworn Statement Details 7-Men Assault Allegations as DA Defends No-Charge Decision
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Oct 1
Summary
A sworn statement Jane Doe gave Cornell police on Nov. 14, 2024 says she became severely intoxicated, had memory gaps and felt unable to leave during an alleged assault at a Chi Phi house.
The document says she initially agreed to a threesome, later heard men talk about “having a turn,” hid under covers when multiple men entered, and said ketamine use and heavy drinking left the night “a blur.”
Those details sharpen scrutiny of Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten, whose office had declined charges in 2024 and this week argued her statement described voluntary, conscious and consensual conduct that did not meet New York’s criminal standard.
Doe’s lawyer says the DA never interviewed her beyond the original campus-police complaint; none of the seven fraternity members named in her Sept. 16 lawsuit has been criminally charged.
Cornell says its separate Title IX probe imposed expulsions and suspensions, the fraternity remains barred, and Gov. Kathy Hochul said the university will bring in outside counsel to review its handling of the case.