Seven Chi Phi Members Still Students After Court Uncovers Drug Abuse

A lawsuit filed in federal court claims that seven members of Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity were involved in a drugging and gang‑rape incident that took place in October 2024. The complaint alleges the men drugged a 20‑year‑old woman, who remains anonymous, with ketamine and raped her while she was unconscious.

One defendant is said to have texted other fraternity members, encouraging them to participate.

Cornell’s investigation, conducted under Title IX, concluded with a disciplinary panel that imposed expulsions and suspensions on the accused. The university stated that the identities of those who received specific sanctions are protected by federal privacy law and did not disclose which men were expelled or suspended.

Cornell also denied that any of the defendants were required to write mitigating essays as part of their penalties.

Despite the university’s findings, a search of Cornell’s student directory shows that two of the accused—Winston Lee and Gillio Lopes—continue to be listed as current students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Diego Sarabia, another defendant, is listed as an alumnus.

For the remaining four accused—Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Scott Norris, and Scott Kretzschmar—the directory lists their colleges as “not applicable,” leaving their academic status uncertain.

## Background & Context

The alleged assault occurred at a residence on Cornell’s campus in October 2024. The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous as Jane Doe, claims that the defendants administered ketamine to her and then raped her while she was unconscious.

She says that one defendant used Snapchat to send a message to other fraternity members, promising “free p***y,” before summoning them to participate in the assault.

Cornell’s Title IX investigation lasted several months and concluded with a disciplinary panel that imposed a range of sanctions, including expulsions and suspensions. The university has not identified which defendants received which punishment, .

In response to allegations that the men were required to write mitigating essays, Cornell’s spokesperson told that none of the accused were offered essays as the sole consequence of their conduct.

The lawsuit also alleges that after the university’s disciplinary process, all seven defendants received temporary suspensions. It claims that the men were given an opportunity to mitigate their conduct by writing essays, but Cornell has disputed this claim.

The court documents cited in the lawsuit do not specify the exact nature or timing of any written assignments given to the defendants.

## Current Status and Legal Developments

Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office has reopened the 2024 case and is preparing to present it before a grand jury.

The lawsuit, filed by an unnamed plaintiff who seeks damages, claims that Cornell failed to adequately enforce its disciplinary measures and that the accused were still allowed to remain on campus during the investigation.

The complaint states that the university’s actions violated federal privacy law and did not provide sufficient protection for potential victims.

Cornell has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit. No official statement has been issued by university officials or legal counsel regarding the claims or the current enrollment status of the defendants. The case is still pending, and no final judgment has been entered.

As the investigation continues, the legal process will determine whether Cornell’s disciplinary actions were sufficient and whether the accused are truly still enrolled or have otherwise resolved their academic status.