- Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten faced heavy criticism from CNN host Jake Tapper over his handling of a 2024 gang rape allegation involving a former Cornell University student.
- The survivor filed a lawsuit alleging she was drugged and assaulted by seven Chi Phi fraternity members, leading to public outrage after criminal charges were not pursued for two years.
- Van Houten defended his decision by claiming New York State law strictly defines consent and that his office relies on police to conduct initial criminal investigations.
- Following widespread public backlash, the DA's office reopened the case and plans to present the allegations to a criminal grand jury.
- Cornell University said a separate Title IX investigation previously resulted in student expulsions and suspensions, as well as a permanent ban on the fraternity chapter.
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