A lawyer representing the woman who reported being sexually assaulted by multiple men at a Cornell University fraternity party has stated that she was given inaccurate information regarding the progress of the criminal investigation. The lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, revealed that despite the woman pursuing her allegations of a 2024 gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house through Cornell’s internal disciplinary process, she was under the impression that a criminal investigation was ongoing, when in reality, it had been swiftly concluded.
The local prosecutor, Tompkins County district attorney Matthew Van Houten, decided not to pursue criminal charges shortly after the woman provided substantial information to the police. Van Houten, without direct communication with the woman or her legal representative, requested Cornell’s police department to relay the decision to her. Giuffra expressed his belief that the woman was misled about the status of the investigation and that he was under the impression that the authorities were still actively looking into the matter.
However, it was later revealed that no further actions were being taken, leaving Giuffra and the woman unaware of the situation. Despite efforts to reach out to Van Houten for comment, no response was received. Cornell declined to comment on the matter due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The district attorney defended his decision, stating that after a thorough review of a summary report detailing the woman’s account, it was concluded that no criminal offense had occurred. This conflicted with the woman’s statements to the police and in her lawsuit against the fraternity members and Cornell, where she alleged being subjected to violence and rape.
Recent reports indicated that Cornell police attempted to present additional evidence to Van Houten’s office following the incident, but their efforts were rebuffed. Giuffra expressed disappointment at the handling of the case and highlighted the tremendous support received by the woman amid the challenges faced.
Following public outcry and protests, the case was escalated to the state attorney general, Letitia James, after Governor Kathy Hochul intervened. James’s involvement raised concerns about bias, with one of the accused men filing a petition seeking her removal from the case. Cornell has taken measures to address the situation, including the closure of the Chi Phi chapter and engaging Sally Yates to review the university’s handling of sexual assault cases.
