Records and communications reviewed by ABC News reveal that some Cornell University fraternity brothers attempted to contain allegations of sexual assault following an incident at the Chi Phi house in October 2024. Text messages, phone calls, and school documents describe these actions as damage control meant to keep the student involved from becoming upset and to protect the members’ reputations on campus. The case centers on an October 19 gathering that began as a casual visit to the fraternity house by a student, referred to as Jane Doe, who later reported to campus police that she was assaulted by multiple men while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Although criminal charges were not initially brought, the allegations triggered an internal Cornell investigation lasting from November 2024 through May 2025, resulting in two expulsions and multiple suspensions. Records indicate that fraternity members regularly contacted the student in the weeks following the incident to keep her happy, while simultaneously discussing how to manage the fallout in group chats. Transcripts of recorded phone calls show the student confronting one of the accused men, Matthew Ingalls, and stating that what occurred would be classified as a gang rape. Ingalls and other brothers named in a civil suit have previously denied wrongdoing, with Ingalls claiming during the university probe that he was too intoxicated to consent. As the fallout widened, internal documents showed instances where Ingalls allegedly urged a witness to submit exonerating evidence to prove the student was lying. Following criticism of the local handling of the case, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul removed the local district attorney and appointed state Attorney General Letitia James to lead the criminal investigation, while Cornell announced an independent review of its handling of the matter.
Source: abcnews.com
