Scott Kretzschmar, one of seven Chi Phi fraternity members named in a federal civil lawsuit alleging the drugging and gang rape of a Cornell student in October 2024, is actively disputing the charges through legal counsel. Defense attorney Jeremy Saland claimed Kretzschmar never assaulted or touched the survivor, dismissing her allegations as false and insisting the defense will contest the claims in court. The survivor’s complaint paints a drastically different picture, documenting degrading messages sent in a “Chi Phi Actives” Snapchat group while the assault occurred. Saland acknowledged Kretzschmar sent messages in the thread, attempting to minimize the vulgar language as merely “immature” remarks rather than complicity. The lawyer went further, calling the suit against Scott Kretzachmar “not only intentionally dishonest but morally repugnant.” He claims the victim is herself “victimizing an innocent person for a money grab” As the Tompkins County District Attorney moves to reopen the criminal investigation and present evidence to a grand jury, the case continues to fuel campus outrage over administrative inaction and campus culture.