Cornell Student from NYC Charged in Alleged Frat House Sex Assault

A 21-year-old male student at Cornell University from New York City has been charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a fraternity house.

Wolfgang Ballinger faces felony charges of attempted rape, criminal sexual assault, and sex abuse, all felonies. He was arraigned Thursday evening in Ithaca City Court and sent to Tompkins County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred around 2 a.m. last Sunday. Following the incident, the Ithaca chapter of Psi Upsilon was suspended, according to a statement on the fraternity's website.

The statement said the fraternity is cooperating with the university and is sending members to Ithaca to assist in the investigation.

“Sexual assault, and any form of sexual harassment, is against our policy and in opposition of the values of Psi Upsilon” said Executive Director Thomas Fox in the statement. “Our chapter is cooperating with Cornell’s investigation into this matter and any members involved will be held accountable. "

It could not immediately be determined if Ballinger has an attorney.

In a video posted to YouTube, Ballinger identifies himself as a son of the owner of famed concert venue Webster Hall. The Daily Beast reports that a now-deleted Facebook profile listed his high school as the Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School on the Upper West Side. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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