New York Prosecutors Reopen Cornell University Rape Investigation

Anchorage, AK, September 28, 2026 — The Tompkins County District Attorney’s office in New York has reopened a criminal investigation into an alleged rape that occurred at Cornell University. This development follows increased national attention brought about by a civil lawsuit related to the incident.

Prosecutors are preparing to present the case to a grand jury. The investigation involves allegations against seven individuals and the Chi Phi fraternity.

Details regarding the specific timeline of the alleged rape, the filing of the civil lawsuit, or the exact nature of the allegations against the individuals and the fraternity were not immediately available. The reopening of the criminal investigation indicates a renewed focus on the case by law enforcement authorities in the region.

The Tompkins County District Attorney’s office has not released further specifics on the renewed probe or the expected timeline for the grand jury proceedings. The civil lawsuit is understood to have brought the matter to broader public notice, prompting the prosecutor’s office to revisit the criminal aspects.

The involvement of the Chi Phi fraternity suggests that the allegations may extend to the organization itself, beyond individual actions. Further proceedings will depend on the evidence presented to the grand jury.

The decision to reopen the investigation highlights the potential for legal action to spur further scrutiny of past allegations. Information concerning the outcome of the grand jury proceedings is anticipated as the case progresses.

Story summarized from the original created by Amy B Wang, Susan Svrluga, The Washington Post on www.adn.com, see more information here.

Media gallery