Cornell University building.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten had said his office relied on the investigation conducted by Cornell campus police and explained why charges were not filed in 2024, despite Doe reporting the incident to campus police.
“What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable,” James wrote, adding that she stood with the alleged victim and “all survivors. The complaint also alleges that one of the men sent a Snapchat message to other Chi Phi members referring to the alleged victim.
The former student, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, has alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. An attorney for one of the men accused in the alleged Cornell fraternity sexual assault case has asked a New York court to remove Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, arguing that her public comments show she may be biased against the accused. Lopes has dismissed the allegations through his attorney. The petition argues that the statement showed James had already formed an opinion about the allegations before conducting an investigation. Lopes was suspended by Cornell for three semesters following a university investigation. He has denied the allegations.
Gillio Lopes, one of seven men named in a civil lawsuit filed by a former Cornell University student, submitted a petition in New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday seeking to void James’ appointment or limit her personal involvement in the investigation.