Cornell fraternity president charged with attempted rape
ITHACA, N.Y. -- A 21-year-old male student at Cornell University has been charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a fraternity house.
Police say 21-year-old Wolfgang Ballinger, of New York City, was identified as the suspect in the case last week, reports CBS affiliate WSTM. Police said a student reported she was sexually assaulted after the perpetrator led her to a bedroom at 2 Forest Park Lane, in Ithaca, which is the Psi Upsilon fraternity house, according to The Cornell Daily Sun student newspaper.
WSTM reports Ballinger is the president of the Cornell chapter of Psi Upsilon. Ballinger reportedly turned himself in to Cornell Police investigators Thursday and was charged with first-degree attempted rape, first-degree criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse.
Ballinger's attorney, James Baker, said in an statement released to 48 Hours' Crimesider that the student is not guilty.
"His innocence will be established at the proper time and in the proper place-which is in the courts, not in the media," Baker said. "Beyond that, we have no comment."
Ballinger 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.
He is set to appear in court Tuesday morning.