The Ithaca Police Department stated that the alleged 2024 Chi Phi gang rape was never reported to their department in a Monday press release.
The release comes after the Sept. 14 lawsuit stated that the incident was still under investigation by the IPD.
In the lawsuit, a former Cornell student alleged that she was sexually assaulted and gang raped by seven current and former students after being coerced into consuming drugs at Cornell’s Chi Phi house in 2024.
“The Ithaca Police Department was disturbed to hear about the allegations related to the sexual assault of a Cornell Student during October of 2024,” the release reads. “This incident was not reported to the Ithaca Police Department. The Ithaca Police Department learned of these allegations recently through the media.”
The statement comes after Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced that his office would be re-opening a criminal investigation into the incident on Monday. Van Houten stated that his office has not decided whether to bring criminal charges related to the incident yet, according to ABC News.
The University also conducted a non-criminal Title IX investigation into the incident after it was initially reported.
Kyle Kimball, vice president for university relations, confirmed that expulsions and suspensions were issued after a monthslong investigation in a Monday statement. He did not clarify how many students were expelled or suspended.
Doe’s attorney has claimed that two defendants were expelled, according to CBS News.
IPD’s statement acknowledged the severity of the incident and encouraged community members to make reports to the department.
“We understand these allegations are being taken very seriously by Cornell University and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office,” the release reads. “We encourage members of our community to report allegations to the Ithaca Police Department.”
Kate Turk is a member of the Class of 2027 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the assistant managing editor of the 144th board and was an assistant news editor for the 143rd Editorial Board. She can be reached at kturk@cornellsun.com.
