Cornell University - Cornell 8 (Original 7 + Chi Phi President Petito Named Party)
Note: Trigger Warning for SA and Graphic Content.
Content warning: This story discusses sexual assault at length. If you need to talk to someone, RAINN’s 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.
SCAM ALERT: It seems like scams continue online relating to Jane Doe Cornell 8 Case:
Here is one mentioned today - DO NOT BE FOOLED.
Apparently on October 2, right after the Jane Doe gang rape allegations/Cornell Seven story broke nationally, someone registered the domain for [JANE DOE MERCH] and said the proceeds would go to support Jane Doe's legal fund. Guess what? Her lawyer knows nothing about it.
Info via WIRED MAGAZINE: The website, which was created on October 2, according to the domain reverse-search tool Whols, includes a description stating that an unspecified percentage of the proceeds will go directly to Jane Doe herself, "to help her legal expense and related costs. "Any contribution, no matter the amount, can help lessen that burden and support Jane in accessing support, advocacy, and/or justice and accountability." the description reads.
When reached for comment, however, Thomas P. Giuffra, the attorney for Jane Doe, tells WIRED that there are no authorized fundraising sites for lane Doe.
I had posted the Press Release from Giuffra a couple of days ago as he was clear that there was NO fund raising on behalf of Jane Doe.
Note: Title IX is a complex topic and so here are a few links (including discussion) for more source information via Cornell and other websites. Also included is link to Cornell 7 – Hearing Panel Decision in Redacted Format – So far as I know this is only version presently available to the public.
Discussion - Reddit Post: The Title IX Process From a Different Perspective Faculty Post – r/Cornell
https://www.reddit.com/r/Cornell/comments/1wxgpwu/the_title_ix_process_from_a_different_perspective/
Cornell Office of Civil Rights – Hearing Panel Decision August 18, 2025 Redacted Version
https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=NcO8MEQW_PLUS_GSZSnbUQlZw5Q==
INDEX NO. EF2026-0292
Cornell University - Procedures for Resolution of Reports Against Students Under Cornell University Policy 6.4 for Acts of Sexual and Related Misconduct
These Procedures apply to reports of Sexual Harassment as defined in 34 CFR Part 106 (also referred to as “Title IX”), as well as other forms of sexual and related misconduct as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), New York State Education Law 129-B, New York State Human Rights Law, and Cornell University Policy 6.4.
Definitions of Prohibited Conduct can be found in Section 1.9. Information about jurisdiction of these Procedures (the University’s authority to respond to reports) can be found in Section 2.
These Procedures apply to all units of the University except for Weill Cornell Medicine, which will administer Policy 6.4 under Weill Cornell Medicine procedures.
Cornell Office of Civil Rights – Data & Statistics – Formal Complaints
https://officeofcivilrights.cornell.edu/data-statistics/formal-complaints/
Cornell Office of Civil Rights - Current Policy 6.4 Procedures
The university has designated different types of prohibited conduct as well as procedures for resolution of reports under Policy 6.4 that correspond best with the university’s different constituencies.
The Procedures for Resolution of Reports Against Students and Employees Under Cornell University Policy 6.4 (Title IX Prohibited Conduct) that apply to formal complaints are those that are in effect at the time the formal complaint is signed. The definition of prohibited conduct in effect at the time of the alleged incident is used to evaluate the formal complaint.
Protecting Student Privacy – US Department of Education
FERPA 34 CFR PART 99—FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY
Below are the regulations at 34 CFR Part 99 implementing section 444 of the General Education Provision Act (GEPA), which is commonly referred to as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Federal Register Notices of amendments to FERPA. T
https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa
FERPA & Confidentiality
https://www.ed.gov/media/document/ferpa-and-confidentiality-35152.pdf
https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa
NEWS:
The Ithaca Voice: Protestors break window, paint slogans on Cornell building in wake of ‘Jane Doe’ lawsuit
CYNCENTRAL – Cornell fraternity student named in rape investigation sues to have allegations removed
NYT: Man Accused of Sex Assault Seeks to Expunge Cornell’s Finding of Related Violation
A panel found the man responsible for attempted sexual exploitation, barred him from contact with the woman and required him to take a class and write a paper.
USA Today - Civil rights office to visit Cornell, which now has the highest number of active Title IX investigations
Cornell Sun: Cornell Now Has More Active Title IX Investigations Than Any Other University
Cornell Sun: Thousands Flood Ho Plaza for ‘Justice for Survivors’ Rally
Cornell Sun: Twenty Student Organizations to Host Open Town Hall on Sexual Violence
Cornell Sun: ‘Zero Day’: Cornell BSU, NAACP to Hold Seven-Hour Sit-in and Campuswide Economic Blackout in Solidarity with Jane Doe
Cornell Sun: IN PHOTOS | Justice for Survivors Rally
https://www.cornellsun.com/article/2026/10/sunbursts-justice-for-survivors
Cornell Sun: Online Scorecard, No Hard Alcohol Among Greek Life Reforms Introduced by Pollack
ABC News: Cornell police received tip about Chi Phi fraternity seeking to keep alleged gang rape under wraps
The frat was concerned about "the reputation of all involved," records show.
https://abcnews.com/US/cornell-police-received-tip-chi-phi-fraternity-seeking/story?id=137009526
ABC News: What Jane Doe told Cornell hearing panel about alleged 2024 gang rape
ABC News has reviewed transcripts of the 12-day hearing last year.
NYT: Letitia James Is in Charge of the Cornell Rape Inquiry. What Comes Next?
As a special prosecutor, Ms. James has wide powers over the handling of the investigation, but legal experts say the case comes with potential obstacles.
https://archive.ph/Et6cp#selection-8133.0-8137.153
The Conversation: Dozens of men failed to stop an alleged gang rape at Cornell – here’s the misperception that keeps bystanders from intervening and how to short‑circuit it
Daily Mail: Cornell teachers say they're barely able to manage classes attended by two students who remain at college after being sued by Jane Doe in gang rape lawsuit
Daily Mail: Fresh humiliation for 'Cornell 7' student accused of sending Snapchat message inviting other frat brothers to join alleged gang rape… as his attempt at new life falls apart
Daily Mail: 'Cornell 7' frat boy leaves America for 'Beverly Hills of Dubai', neighbor claims... as details of his international life of privilege and shock phone call with alleged gang-rape victim emerge
THE VERGE: Doxxing Jane Doe
**X and Substack aren’t doing anything to stop users from harassing women they believe are connected to the rape case — and the women who aren’t.**
CBC: Woman at centre of Cornell gang-rape case was 'misled' about investigation, lawyer says Criminal inquiry ended almost as soon as it began, but Jane Doe was given impression it was ongoing: lawyer
ABC News 4: Cornell legal analysis: 'I would have never relied on campus police'
https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/cornell-legal-analysis-i-would-never-relied-on-campus-police
Quote:
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSTM) — A top legal expert in Central New York who prosecuted sex crimes for years has analyzed the Cornell University rape allegations and come to the conclusion that he would have done at least one key thing differently from the start: seek an in-person, face-to-face meeting with the woman who made the allegations.
Rick Trunfio is the former First Chief Assistant District Attorney of Onondaga County. "When I was in the DA's office, we were brought in immediately. That's what should have happened here. I would have never relied on campus police to do a thorough sex crimes investigation because you don't know the quality of either their experience or their expertise," he told Michael Benny in a live interview on NBC3 News at 7 on Monday.
"No shade against campus police, but we create specialized units in police agencies that take years of training for people to get good at. Campus police do not have the breadth of experience to do those types of cases," Trunfio said.
NYP: Sick threats against ‘Cornell 7’ Jane Doe revealed — including twisted phone call threatening to ‘shoot’ her family if she doesn’t drop suit
NYP: ‘Cornell 7’ frat bro claimed accuser ‘sodomized’ him and that school didn’t care he was sex-assault ‘survivor:’ report
NYP: Two of the ‘Cornell 7’ still on campus — and teachers don’t know how to handle it: report
USA Today: 'Baffling': Early Cornell rape investigation troubles experts
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/crime/2026/10/06/cornell-rape-case-botched/92102631007/
OPEN LETTERS TO PEOPLE OR ENTITIES WHO ARE UNLIKELY TO RESPOND
AN OPEN LETTER TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY FROM THE MOTHER OF A PROSPECTIVE MALE STUDENT (OPINION/HUMOUR)
by ANAÏS GODARD
Recent Legal Filings: Note: No Plan to link Court filings (civil or any future criminal). Will post direct link to the Docket so that all the documents can be viewed in next update. The other day I posted 2 locations online to obtain case filings and so I refer you to those as well.
I’m mentioning the recent docket filings only to note that Moonies Bar & Nightclub is demanding that Jane Doe’s civil lawsuit be moved out of Manhattan and into Tompkins County, arguing that none of the parties lived in New York County when the case was filed and that the alleged events occurred entirely in Ithaca. Moonies says that virtually all the witnesses, local law enforcement, medical responders and relevant business records are in Tompkins County. Doe has been asked to consent to the venue change; if she doesn’t, Moonies will ask the Court to order the transfer.
Additionally, several attorneys for the defendants have filed stipulations extending their deadlines to respond to Jane Doe’s civil suit until December 2026, including attorneys for Scott Kretzschmar, Gilio Lopes and Orazio Petito.
Direct Links to social media are being rejected by Reddit Filters and so I recommend searching out Lauren Conlin Podcaster, Reporter & Host: Pop Culture & True Crime. East Coast Contributor LA Magazine as she is posting documents, including the ones I mentioned above about venue change request and filing date extension requests for the NY civil case. Links are problematic on Reddit and so I cannot post a link here.
Direct Post by Attorneys Andrew Miltenberg, Stuart Bernstein, and Tara Davis for Gillio Lopes have filed an Article 78 petition in New York State Supreme Court, Albany County, challenging New York Attorney General Letitia James’s personal participation in and control over the criminal investigation involving their client, one of the individuals named in the widely publicized “Cornell 7” civil litigation.
The petition seeks to prevent James from personally participating in, directing, supervising, or controlling the investigation or any resulting prosecution of Lopes. His attorneys also call upon James to voluntarily step aside from that role.
At issue is whether an official who publicly expressed views concerning a highly disputed allegation should subsequently exercise prosecutorial authority over the very matter on which she commented.
On September 28, 2026, three days before her appointment, James posted a statement on the New York State Attorney General’s official X account concerning the complainant: “What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable.” Her statement also expressed support for the complainant and addressed her alongside survivors of sexual assault.
On October 1, Governor Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order No. 64, assigning the Office of the Attorney General responsibility for investigating the allegations and, if warranted by the evidence, pursuing criminal charges.
The petition argues that James’s earlier statement creates a serious and objectively reasonable concern that she had already accepted essential aspects of a disputed account before assuming responsibility for evaluating the evidence independently.
“This is neither personal nor political. It is about the integrity of the investigative process,” said Stuart Bernstein. “Attorney General James’s public statement, followed just three days later by her assignment to oversee the same matter, creates a serious appearance of prejudgment. The decisions that shape a criminal case begin long before any charges are filed. Independence and impartiality matter from the very outset. In all good conscience, we believe Attorney General James should step aside.”
The petition acknowledges James’s subsequent October 1 assurance that the investigation would be conducted fully and fairly, guided by the facts and the law. However, counsel maintains that this assurance, while welcome, does not eliminate the concern arising from her earlier public statements. The petition does not contend that James expressly declared Lopes guilty or that actual bias has already been established.
“Compassion for someone reporting a sexual assault is entirely appropriate, and nothing about this application suggests otherwise,” said Andrew Miltenberg. “But compassion cannot become a substitute for impartial judgment. When a prosecutor publicly characterizes what someone has endured as horrific and unacceptable before independently examining disputed allegations, legitimate questions arise about whether the prosecutor has already accepted the central factual premises of a significantly and critically disputed allegation. That is precisely the concern here.” The accused deserves a careful assessment of the evidence and his individual conduct. Both require an investigation that tests competing accounts, considers contradictory evidence, and reaches conclusions supported by the record. We are asking that those principles govern every decision concerning Gillio.”
The petition does not challenge the Governor’s general statutory authority to appoint a special prosecutor, nor does it seek to prevent a lawful investigation or any prosecution that may be warranted by the evidence. Rather, it challenges James’s personal role in light of her prior statements. The petition requests judicial relief preventing her from exercising authority over the investigation and any potential prosecution concerning Lopes or, alternatively, modifying or annulling the challenged designation insofar as it concerns her personal authority over Lopes and returning the matter to the Governor for appropriate action.
“We are not asking that this investigation be stopped. We are asking that it be conducted under circumstances that leave no reasonable question about the impartiality of those directing it,” Bernstein said. “That protects the complainant, the accused, and public confidence in the administration of justice.”
The petition does not ask the court to determine the truth of the underlying allegations. The filing itself does not suspend the ongoing criminal investigation.
The petition acknowledges James’s October 1 assurance that the investigation would be conducted fully and fairly, guided by the facts and the law. Lopes contends that this assurance does not resolve the concern created by her earlier statement. The application does not allege that James expressly declared Lopes guilty.
The Governor’s order superseded the Tompkins County District Attorney’s authority over the specified matter and directed an independent investigation. The petition acknowledges the Governor’s statutory authority to make that assignment while challenging James’s personal role.
The requested relief concerns Lopes’s investigation and potential prosecution. Alternatively, the petition asks the court to annul or modify the designation to address James’s personal authority concerning Lopes and return the matter to the Governor for action consistent with the court’s ruling. The application contemplates a lawful investigation and any warranted prosecution proceeding under an authorized arrangement.
The proceeding does not ask the court to determine the truth of the underlying allegations. Filing the Petition does not suspend the investigation itself.
