Cornell Gang Rape Lawsuit Names Michigan Man; DA Reopens Probe, Mayor Demands Greek Life Moratorium

Key points

• Lawsuit filed Sept. 16 in Tompkins County names seven Chi Phi members, including Scott Kretzchmar, accused of drugging and assaulting a student on Oct. 19-20, 2024.
• Tompkins County DA Matthew Van Houten reopened the criminal case to seek a grand jury review, citing community outrage and new evidence, despite previously declining charges based on the victim's 2024 statement.
• Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo called for an immediate moratorium on all student event permits, including Greek life, until Cornell revises its sexual violence protocols.
• Cornell University stated it expelled and suspended accused students following a Title IX investigation and closed the Chi Phi chapter in 2024, denying claims that punishments were minimal.
• The lawsuit alleges the victim was coerced into taking ketamine and assaulted for hours, with fraternity members posting vulgar messages in a group chat to encourage participation.

Background

This case stems from an incident in October 2024 at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity house. Previous coverage noted that the victim reported the incident to university police in November 2024, leading to a Title IX investigation and temporary suspensions. The current civil lawsuit, filed in September 2026, seeks monetary damages and alleges the university failed to properly discipline the accused or cooperate with law enforcement. The case has drawn national attention, with public figures and local officials demanding accountability for the university's handling of the 2024 allegations.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and The Cornell Daily Sun emphasize the DA's decision to reopen the case and the mayor's call for a Greek life moratorium, highlighting public outrage over the university's initial response. WDIV focuses on the local connection, noting that one accused defendant, Scott Kretzchmar, is from Southeast Michigan, and that Sterling Heights confirmed he was not employed by the city. Cornell University's official statements dispute the lawsuit's claims of inadequate discipline, asserting that expulsions and suspensions were issued and that the Chi Phi chapter was closed. The DA's office maintains that the victim's 2024 statement differed significantly from the 2026 lawsuit allegations, particularly regarding consent, but has agreed to a grand jury review. Defense attorneys for some accused members deny any sexual assault or drug use, with one stating his client did not participate in sexual activity.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about how universities handle sexual assault allegations and the potential for civil lawsuits to revive criminal investigations. The DA's decision to reopen the case and the mayor's call for a moratorium on Greek life indicate significant pressure on Cornell to reform its protocols. The national attention, including statements from public figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Florence Pugh, underscores the broader debate about campus safety and accountability for fraternity culture.

What to watch

The Tompkins County DA's office will present the case to a grand jury within 45 days to determine if criminal charges should be filed. The Ithaca Common Council is expected to vote on the mayor's proposed moratorium on student event permits. Cornell University is expected to respond to the civil lawsuit through legal proceedings, and the university may release new protocols for preventing sexual violence as demanded by the mayor. Defense attorneys for the accused are expected to provide further statements as the case progresses.