A Declined Case Is Not a Closed Case: What the Tompkins County DA Review Means for the Accused
Tompkins County voted to fund an outside review of how its DA handles sexual assault cases. Here is why a decision not to charge is not the end, and how a reopened criminal case touches a campus file.
October 21, 2026 · 3 min read
By Jocelyn C. Stewart
Tompkins County lawmakers have voted to pay for an outside review of how their district attorney handles sexual assault cases. The vote grew out of the Cornell Jane Doe case, where the DA first declined to charge anyone and later reopened the investigation. If you were ever told "no charges," this is worth understanding.
The vote. The Tompkins County Legislature approved the review 14-2 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, according to ABC News, WBNG and 607 News Now. WBNG and 607 News Now both put the price at $200,000, which WBNG describes as a cap. Neither station says which cases or years the review covers, or who will run it. WBNG says the goal is recommendations for reform.
The DA's response. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten supports the review, as both WBNG and 607 News Now report, and ABC News says he will cooperate.
How it got here. The Associated Press and ABC News both report that Van Houten first declined to bring charges, reopened the case after Jane Doe sued, and that Gov. Kathy Hochul then named Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. The suit alleges a 2024 gang rape at Cornell's Chi Phi house. Those are allegations. ABC News reports the seven fraternity brothers deny wrongdoing and no criminal charges have been filed.
Why it matters to you. A decision not to prosecute is a choice, not a verdict. A new prosecutor, new evidence or public pressure can change it, as long as the time limit has not run.
Her law firm's website covers Title IX defense for ROTC cadets, service academy students and student veterans.