Cornell Expels Two Students After Sexual Assault Allegations at Chi Phi House

Cornell University expelled two students and suspended others following an internal investigation into allegations that seven members of a student fraternity sexually assaulted a female student in October 2024. The university’s disciplinary board found Matthew Ingalls and Jonathan Newell responsible for sexual misconduct, according to records obtained by The New York Times.

The incident occurred during a gathering at the Chi Phi Society house involving alcohol and drugs. While the university imposed varying degrees of discipline on seven individuals, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s office declined to file criminal charges in 2024, The New York Times reported.

Disciplinary Actions Against Chi Phi Members

Cornell’s three-member panel, operating under Title IX of the federal Civil Rights Act, determined that Matthew Ingalls manipulated and endangered the victim for personal gain and the entertainment of others. Ingalls was expelled from the university. Jonathan Newell was also expelled after the panel found he participated in non-consensual sexual acts while the victim was under the influence of ketamine and invited other members to join via a Snapchat message.

Other students received less severe penalties based on their level of involvement:

• Winston Lee and Gillio Lopes: Suspended for two years and three semesters, respectively. Both are under disciplinary probation upon return and are barred from contacting the victim.
• Diego Sarabia: Banned from the Cornell campus for three years.
• Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar: Received the least severe measures, including mandatory training on sexual harassment, social media use, and witness obligations, along with a ban on contacting the victim.

The Chi Phi Society, which organized the meeting, was subsequently banned from campus.

Accused students deny wrongdoing as legal disputes continue

The accused students have denied any wrongdoing. Legal representatives for Scott Kretzschmar stated their client was never convicted of rape and did not participate in the sexual acts. According to university records, Cornell concluded Kretzschmar committed a lesser offense rather than sexual assault.

Thomas Giuffra, the attorney for the victim (identified as Jane Doe), argues that the university’s disciplinary measures do not match the severity of the assault. Giuffra noted that most of the accused are still able to complete their degrees at Cornell, while Jane Doe has struggled to resume her studies and normal life.

Jane Doe filed a separate lawsuit in September 2026 criticizing Cornell’s handling of the case. The university has disputed the lawsuit’s description of the proceedings, stating that the board reviewed extensive evidence before determining individual responsibilities.

Governor Hochul orders independent review of Cornell case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered an independent review of the case, appointing New York Attorney General Letitia James as a special investigator with the authority to initiate criminal proceedings if warranted.

Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff described the events as “extremely concerning” and admitted in a statement to ABC 7 News that the university “must do better.” Kotlikoff pledged to strengthen support for victims and ensure fairer investigation processes. The Cornell University Board of Trustees is expected to announce the appointment of an independent law firm to review the university’s internal procedures.

Cornell Assault Case Questions

Why weren’t the students charged criminally?

The Tompkins County District Attorney’s office reviewed the case in 2024 and declined to file charges against any of the accused individuals.

What is the timeline for the Title IX appeals?

The three-member panel handling the case is scheduled to meet via Zoom for twelve days in May 2025.

Why didn’t Cornell release more information sooner?

President Michael I. Kotlikoff stated that federal student privacy regulations limited the university’s ability to disclose specific details about the disciplinary process.

It remains unclear whether the special investigation led by Attorney General Letitia James will produce new evidence sufficient to overturn the District Attorney’s initial decision not to prosecute.