Tapper Shocks DA Van Houten Over Cornell Assault Verdict

Jake Tapper appeared on CNN Monday night to question Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten about the decision not to file criminal charges in a 2024 alleged assault involving a Cornell student and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity.

Tapper argued the case should have prompted a deeper investigation, .

Tapper said he could not imagine how angry he would be if prosecutors handled a case involving his own daughter the same way. He also pointed to the police complaint describing a woman who had consumed ketamine, was reported as an eight out of ten on an intoxication scale, and did not remember large portions of the night.

Van Houten pushed back, saying Jane Doe initially remembered “virtually everything” that happened. He added that neither Doe nor her attorney had contacted his office after prosecutors declined to pursue charges.

The allegations center on Doe drinking at a Tri Delta event, then going to Moonies Bar & Nightclub and Lot 10, where she claims she was visibly intoxicated and served alcohol under 21. She later ended up at the Chi Phi house, where she says fraternity members pressured her to use ketamine and sexually assaulted her.

Moonies has denied serving Doe alcohol, telling that underage guests had their hands marked and bartenders were instructed to serve only people wearing wristbands. The bar says Doe’s claim that it served her alcohol is “completely inaccurate.”

## Background & Context

The alleged assault took place in 2024 on Cornell’s campus, involving a student who later filed a complaint with the university police. The complaint highlighted her intoxication level and alleged encouragement by fraternity members to consume ketamine.

The university’s investigation did not lead to criminal charges, prompting debate over the handling of cases involving underage drinking and sexual assault. Critics argue that the presence of a group‑chat message should have triggered a deeper probe, even in jurisdictions where intoxication complicates prosecution.

## Legal Developments

Van Houten recently reopened the criminal investigation and plans to present the case to a grand jury with Doe’s cooperation. No criminal charges have been filed against the seven men named in the lawsuit, who have denied the allegations.

The re‑opened investigation reflects a shift in prosecutorial strategy, aiming to reassess evidence that may have been overlooked initially. Court filings indicate the grand jury review will consider the original police complaint and any new statements from Doe.

The outcome of the grand jury review could shape how future cases involving underage drinking and alleged assault are prosecuted.