A former Cornell University student has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and sexually assaulted by several fraternity members for hours in 2024. The lawsuit names Cornell University, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven men as defendants: Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar.
Allegations of drugging and assault
According to the complaint, the woman was 20 and studying at Cornell when she visited a friend at the Chi Phi fraternity house. She alleges that, while intoxicated, two fraternity members pressured her into taking what they said was ketamine before sexually assaulting her. The complaint further alleges that additional men became involved and that she was subjected to sexual acts without her consent.
The lawsuit also claims that, while she was unconscious, a message was posted in a Snapchat group used by fraternity members referring to "free p***y." One defendant allegedly replied, "This is crazy work," and another wrote, "Like you can walk in and whip it out," according to the New York Post.
University response and legal proceedings
The woman reported the alleged assault to Cornell's police department around three weeks later, according to the complaint. Her lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, told CBS News that Cornell conducted an internal investigation but only two of the seven accused men were expelled, while others received lesser sanctions including suspensions and educational requirements.
"Not one of these guys was arrested," Mr Giuffra said. "There were so many people that could have prevented it, and they didn't. I've never seen anything like it." He added that the woman had left her dream school and was struggling to move on.
The Tompkins County District Attorney's Office said it reviewed the police investigation but concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Cornell said its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards had investigated and adjudicated the allegations in accordance with university policies. The university said the Xi chapter of Chi Phi had been barred from campus, declined to disclose individual disciplinary measures citing federal privacy laws, and noted it had established a task force on sexual assault and introduced policy changes.
Statements from parties
Chi Phi's national organisation called the allegations "deeply concerning" but said it could not discuss the specific claims while litigation was pending. "Anyone who reports sexual violence deserves to be heard and treated with compassion, dignity, and respect," the organisation said.
The civil lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, though no specific amount has been disclosed. The allegations against the defendants remain matters for the court to determine.
