New York Attorney General to Probe Cornell Fraternity Gang Rape Case

The intervention comes after the Tompkins County District Attorney’s office opted not to pursue criminal charges against the seven accused men, a group identified in court filings as the 'Cornell 7.' Expressing a lack of confidence in the county’s handling of the case, Hochul stated the appointment is necessary to ensure a fair and thorough review of the incident. Attorney General James confirmed her office has accepted the mandate, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.

Confidential records from initial university and police inquiries reveal significant inconsistencies in the accounts provided by the accused. While four men admitted to sexual contact, asserting it was consensual, their descriptions of the evening frequently clashed with the accuser’s testimony and even with each other. Some claimed the woman appeared sober and initiated the encounters, while others provided conflicting details regarding their own levels of intoxication and their reasons for being in the bedroom. One participant even alleged he was a victim of sexual misconduct himself. These discrepancies, coupled with records of a provocative message sent to fraternity members before the encounter, form the basis of the ongoing civil suit, which names the university, the Chi Phi fraternity, and the seven individuals as defendants.