India, Sept. 28 -- Tompkins County prosecutors have reopened their investigation into allegations that seven Cornell University fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted a former student in 2024. The case is being reopened after a civil lawsuit was filed by the student earlier this month which caused a widespread public backlash.

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten told ABC News that his office is considering presenting the matter to a grand jury if additional evidence supports criminal charges.

Less than two weeks ago, a 101-page lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court by a former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe.

The complaint alleged she was drugged and repeatedly sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi...