NY Governor Kathy Hochul intervenes in Chi Phi fraternity gang rape case
- The investigation involves a 20-year-old student referred to in court documents by the pseudonym Jane Doe, who reported that she was incapacitated by ketamine and alcohol at the...
- The criminal inquiry stalled for two years after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten decided against filing charges in 2024.
- Governor Hochul criticized local law enforcement and prosecution, questioning how authorities could receive a report of gang assault and fail to move forward.
The investigation involves a 20-year-old student referred to in court documents by the pseudonym Jane Doe, who reported that she was incapacitated by ketamine and alcohol at the Chi Phi fraternity house before being subjected to sexual assault. The events began on the night of October 19, 2024, after the student drank throughout the evening and walked alone to the Chi Phi fraternity house around 11 p.m. to meet a member she knew. According to the victim’s statements to investigators, where she rated her level of intoxication as a 5 out of 10, that member suggested the three of them engage in a sexual encounter alongside another member, during which both individuals provided her with alcohol and ketamine. She stated that sexual acts continued involving other members after she lost the capacity to consent, culminating in a Snapchat message sent by one member urging others to enter the bedroom with the naked victim, prompting members to enter the room as she neared a hallucinatory state near the end of the night. Investigators compiled over 1,000 pages of interview records and police reports regarding the allegations, with The New York Times describing the details as painfully detailed to read.
Special Prosecutor Appointed After New York State Intervention
The criminal inquiry stalled for two years after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten decided against filing charges in 2024. However, the case reopened after the victim filed a civil lawsuit on September 16. According to ytn.co.kr, New York Governor Kathy Hochul intervened following public outcry over the civil complaint's mention that defendants were given an opportunity to submit essays to mitigate responsibility.
Governor Hochul criticized local law enforcement and prosecution, questioning how authorities could receive a report of gang assault and fail to move forward. Governor Hochul stated, In what world does a police department receive an account from a victim telling them she was literally gang-raped by five men while intoxicated at a private men’s student association gathering, and fail to refer this criminal referral to the district attorney’s office?
Critics are now questioning the investigative process that followed the reports of the allegations.
The university's disciplinary summary revealed varied punishments among the seven accused individuals, based on investigators' 1,000-plus pages of interviews and police reports. The disciplinary proceedings were conducted under federal Title IX regulations by a three-member panel through remote hearings held over 12 days ending in May 2025.
Two additional students received suspensions of two years and three semesters, remaining subject to disciplinary observation upon return. A fifth member, who had already graduated, received a three-year campus ban. Reflection essays were also assigned to the two suspended students.
Victims Demand Jail While Prosecutors Cite Statement Discrepancies
The disciplinary outcome sparked sharp criticism from the victim's legal representation.
Public demonstrations ensued, featuring student demands voiced by campus community members. Student Lily-Rose Marce added, It's definitely important that the people who are responsible for this are held accountable. They genuinely belong in jail.
Conversely, ytn.co.kr reported concerns regarding due process and potential witness statement discrepancies. District Attorney Van Houten stated that the civil lawsuit’s claims differed dramatically
from the statements provided to police two years prior. Ytn.co.kr also noted that online speculation on social media targeted a Korean-American student among the accused group, spreading unverified personal details and rumors regarding his enrollment status without official confirmation.
Special Prosecutor Directs Reopened Criminal Probe
The Chi Phi fraternity has since been banned from campus activities. All seven accused individuals have denied the allegations, and no one has been criminally charged to date, leaving the active investigation transferred to the special prosecutor.