Investigative records give insight into how accused Cornell student responded to allegation of gang rape, tell me about this news
02-10-2026
Investigative records obtained from Cornell University’s Title IX inquiry and police files detail how accused fraternity members responded when confronted with allegations of drugging and gang rape dating back to an October 2024 incident at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
The records, highlighted in reports by CBS News and The New York Times, outline differing responses and defenses given by the accused students during the internal disciplinary process:
Denials of Sexual Misconduct: Several of the seven men named in the civil lawsuit maintained that their actions were either consensual or that they did not participate in any sexual assault. One accused student stated to investigators that he believed the plaintiff was coherent, claiming he checked in on her, that she appeared unimpaired, and that she said she was fine.
CBS NewsDisputing Direct Involvement: An attorney for one of the named students, Scott Kretzschmar, stated his client was only in the room for a few minutes, did not see the complainant unclothed, did not use drugs, and never touched or assaulted her. Another student acknowledged participating in a group Snapchat conversation discussing what was happening, but denied taking drugs or engaging in any sexual contact.
CBS News+ 1Claims Regarding Substance Use: Transcripts show varying accounts of the drug use that night. While the complainant stated she was heavily intoxicated on ketamine to the point of incapacitation, one accused member claimed to investigators that she had consented to individuals consuming ketamine.
CBS NewsAttorneys Criticizing Campus Proceedings: Defense attorneys for accused students argued that Cornell’s internal Title IX process was biased against the accused men and lacked basic due process protections found in a criminal court.
The publication of these records comes amid renewed scrutiny of the case after the victim filed a federal civil lawsuit in September. Following public outcry and criticism from state officials, the Tompkins County District Attorney reopened the criminal investigation to present evidence to a grand jury, and Cornell agreed to retain an independent outside law firm to review its institutional handling of the matter.
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