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Judge says Jane Doe can stay anonymous

Judge says Jane Doe can stay anonymous

Cornell logo on a campus vehicle. (file) Photo: Saga Communications/607 News Now


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Jane Doe’s name will remain protected.

ABC News reports a judge in New York ruled Friday, Oct. 23 that the former Cornell student, who says she was drugged and raped during a frat house party in 2024, can keep her name a secret.

“While the Court is cognizant that some members of the public have made it their mission to try and identify Jane Doe, and have likewise tried to use what they believe to be Jane Doe’s identity to harass and threaten certain individuals allegedly tied to her, the Court issues the following words of caution: cyberstalking and engaging in or encouraging threats across state lines, whether it be of Jane Doe, any of the named defendants, or their attorneys, can be considered a federal crime and perpetrators of those acts may be subjecting themselves to prosecution,” Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond wrote.

Campus of Cornell University (file)

In September, Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against the university and the so-called Cornell 7, who she claims raped her in a group attack. Attorney Thomas Giuffra represents Jane Doe and says she’s been the target of doxing attempts and threats.

After the Tompkins County District Attorney’s office announced it would re-open the investigation, Gov. Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the case. Meanwhile, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was named as lead investigator of an internal probe into how Cornell handled the initial 2024 investigation. On Oct. 13, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff announced a ban on fraternity house parties and social events for the rest of the academic year.

Jane Doe reportedly dropped out of Cornell shortly after the alleged sexual assault.

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