Title IX probe in January 2025, after campus cops investigated her claims in November 2024 and turned over a six-page official statement to the Tompkins County district attorney for review. The DA determined that no criminal charges would be pursued.

The allegations about being raped in a closet while going in and out of consciousness were not in the statement turned over to the DA by campus police.

3 A poster advertising an upcoming protest for sexual assault prevention hangs on a post at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, amid the Chi Phi lawsuit. REUTERS

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said he decided against prosecuting the case in 2024 because the student's sworn statement to Cornell University police, while disturbing, did not accuse the male students of rape.

However, Jane Doe's civil suit, along with newly released investigation records, brought scrutiny about the initial investigation and the DA's decision not to prosecute.

On Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed New York Attorney General Letitia James to take over the criminal investigation as a special prosecutor.

Van Houten had announced Sunday that his office would reopen its investigation into the allegations.

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No criminal charges have been filed, but James said her office will review the evidence and pursue prosecution if they find wrongdoing.

Jane Doe's civil lawsuit lists seven men as defendants, including Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar.

The university has disciplined four of the men, according to Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff.

Two of the seven accused men were expelled, two were suspended for at least two semesters, one had already graduated before the university could discipline him, and two were found not responsible.

Diego Sarabia was fired from his job at a Wells Fargo branch in North Carolina after the probe was reopened, according to a report.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).