28/09/2026
Cornell University Reopens Investigation Into 2024 Alleged Fraternity Sexual Assault as Former Student Sues 7 Chi Phi Members; Matthew Ingalls Reportedly Removed From Cornell Daily Sun and DataAnnotation Tech
Prosecutors in New York have reopened an investigation into allegations that a former Cornell University student was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple Chi Phi fraternity members in 2024, after a 101-page civil lawsuit brought the claims back into public attention.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was 20 when she visited the Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca in October 2024. The lawsuit claims she was pressured to take a substance described as ketamine before multiple men allegedly sexually assaulted her for hours. The complaint names Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar as defendants.
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office intends to present the matter to a grand jury to determine whether additional evidence warrants criminal charges. He acknowledged that prosecutors previously relied on a Cornell University Police investigation and said the civil complaint contains information that was not previously available to his office.
However, Van Houten said the account in the civil lawsuit differs significantly from the statement Jane Doe gave Cornell police in 2024. He said she had told investigators that she voluntarily consumed drugs and alcohol and did not report being forced or physically incapacitated. No criminal charges have been filed, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Jane Doe’s attorney, Thomas P. Giuffra, disputes that characterization and says authorities were provided with a fraternity group chat that he considers important evidence. The lawsuit alleges a Snapchat message referring to “free p***y” preceded other men entering the room.
Separately, Matthew Ingalls has reportedly faced consequences from organizations connected to the controversy, including the Cornell Daily Sun, which student journalists said terminated his contract. The supplied reports also state that DataAnnotation Tech fired him foll